Catalytic converter thefts continue to be a crime trend. Recently, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two suspects from the Los Angeles area for theft of catalytic converters in Goleta and recovered six stolen converters.

The deputies responded to the area of Dearborn Place and Armitos Avenue for a reported theft of a catalytic converter that had just occurred. The reporting party provided a suspect vehicle description. Approximately 7 minutes later, deputies spotted a similar vehicle on Highway 101, southbound and conducted a traffic enforcement stop near the Las Positas offramp.

The theft of catalytic converters is popular because they can be easily removed, they do not have identifying marks like serial numbers, and the components are made up of precious metals that can be resold to recyclers. There are steps that can be taken to thwart these thefts including parking inside a garage or secured yard, installing motion detector lights near parking areas, installing a catalytic converter protection device, and educating neighbors to be on the look-out for thieves.

To report suspicious activity, call 911 or the non-emergency dispatch line at 805-683-2724.

Pictured: Catalytic converters found in trunk of suspects car

Book Appointment for Free Assessment and Review Burglary Prevention Tips

The City of Goleta’s Community Resource Deputy (CRD) is now available to provide free assessments to Goleta businesses to help deter burglaries. Goleta business owners can book an appointment with CRD Ehren Rauch to receive an onsite inspection and personalized tips. Deputy Rauch will come to your business and provide tips on what the business can do to improve employee safety and prepare against burglaries and robberies.

Deputy Rauch said, “By taking preemptive measures, businesses can help prevent crime and deter would-be criminals. Our goal is to maintain an open line of communication with local businesses. The Sheriff’s Office takes the community’s safety seriously and looks forward to working together to keep Goleta safe.”

To promote this new service, the City of Goleta partnered with the Goleta Police Department to publish a brochure that provides information on how to book an assessment and includes important tips for businesses such as what to do to avoid a robbery, what to do if a robbery occurs, proper design recommendations and video surveillance advice. The brochure is available at the Sheriff’s substation at the Camino Real Marketplace (7042 Marketplace Drive), Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive) and the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue).

You can view the brochure with the full list of tips here, or on our website at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/city-manager-s-office/public-safety/goleta-police-department.

For Goleta business owners who want to schedule a free assessment with CRD Rauch, call (805) 968-3878 or email goletapd@sbsheriff.org.

Thank you to the Goleta Police Department for providing this great resource.

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.