Video shows thieves smashing car with baseball bats in alleged Lakewood catalytic converter theft

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Detectives in Lakewood are investigating three catalytic converter thefts that happened all on the same night, and shocking, newly-released surveillance video shows a group of suspects who residents believe may be involved.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Lakewood station, three thefts happened on Saturday, March 5.
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Investigators say they all occurred in the same area, near the 4500 block of Lomina Avenue.



Video from a Ring surveillance camera posted on YouTube shows a large group pulling up to a home near Lakewood Mall and smashing a resident's vehicle with baseball bats. The person who uploaded the video says they stole a woman's catalytic converter.

In the video, at least six suspects - all seen wearing dark clothing- are seen getting out of two separate vehicles. One of them is seen smashing one of the vehicle's taillights.
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The video has since been turned over to Lakewood investigators.



Authorities tell ABC7 police are now patrolling the area.

Anyone with information is urged to contact LASD's Lakewood station.