The Alameda Police Department Addresses Catalytic Converter Thefts

Published on March 13, 2023

Since March 1st, the Alameda Police Department has received 30 reports of catalytic converter thefts. In some cases, a firearm was brandished or discharged while good Samaritans attempted to intervene. Your safety to us, your loved ones, and your neighbors is of the utmost importance. If you witness a crime, remember that your safety is the priority. Avoid placing yourself in potentially dangerous situations, get to a safe place, call for help, and be a good witness.

Thanks to proactive patrols, multi-agency collaborations, video evidence, and eyewitness accounts, several catalytic converter thefts have been interrupted. In some cases, arrests have been made. We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of a few measures that can help protect your property: 

• Install an anti-theft device.
• Paint your catalytic converter to help quickly identify it as stolen.
• Install an alarm that activates when your car is tilted.
• Park in well-lit areas within view of your security camera system. 
• Install a motion-sensitive dash cam that can notify you of an in-progress theft or record the license plate of the getaway car.
• Draw attention to your vehicle by activating your car's alarm from a safe distance. Other witnesses may become alert and provide additional details to investigators. 
• Be a good witness and call 9-1-1 immediately.