Catalytic converter thefts continue to be a crime trend. A traffic enforcement stop on January 17, 2023, resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of 20 catalytic converters. A Santa Barbra County Sheriff’s deputy on proactive patrol conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle leaving the Isla Vista area, near Los Carneros Road and Castilian. Deputies found 20 catalytic converters inside the vehicle along with a floor jack and an impact drill. Deputies arrested both occupants of the vehicle, 25-year-old Arman Abrahamyan from Van Nuys and 27-year-old Levon Martirosyan from Glendale for grand theft (felony), possession of burglary tools (misdemeanor), possession of stolen property (felony), and conspiracy (felony).

Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of having your catalytic converter stolen:

• Keep your vehicle in a locked garage or a well-lit area close to your home. 
• Set up cameras to record the parking area can help as a deterrent and in the investigation.
• Install anti-theft devices to make a catalytic converter harder to remove.

Victims can report theft by using the online reporting portal at SBSheriff.org or contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at 805-683-2724.

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

Pictured: Recovered catalytic converters