Police said seven were reported stolen in July and six in August to date. The types of vehicles targeted were all Toyotas.
Since July 1, five Toyota pickup trucks, five 4-Runners, and three unknown Toyota models all had their catalytic converters stolen. From January to June 30, 2012 pickup trucks were targeted twice, 4-Runners three times, and unknown Toyota models twice.
Some suspect/vehicle info was reported in some of the incidents. A 1980s-90s silver Ford Explorer with gray bumper; a possible white newer model truck with a heavyset Hispanic female in it; and a silver Ford Mustang with tinted windows were seen in the area before some of the respective thefts.
Ventura Police offered tips to help prevent thefts:
- Be vigilant and to please immediately report any and all suspicious activity to us at 805-650-8010 (24 hr. non-emergency number) or 911 in the event of an emergency.
- Set your alarm if you have one.
- Good lighting is often one of the best deterrents to burglary. Whenever possible try to park in a well lit area and if possible install lighting/motion lights where you tend to park your vehicle.
- If possible, park your car in your garage.
- Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors and get involved in a Neighborhood Watch program. In an effort to facilitate a virtual Neighborhood Watch program and help foster neighbor-to-neighbor communications, our department has partnered with Nextdoor.com, a private social network for neighborhoods.
Police offered some helpful sites for more information on catalytic-converter theft:
Pro Vigil Catalytic Converter Theft + 9 Ways to Stop Catalytic Converter Thieves
