May 10, 2008

Artesia News

Sheriffs sponsor program to prevent catalytic converter thefts

On Saturday, May 17, 2008  Lakewood Station, in conjunction with the surrounding auto repair facilities, will sponsor Operation Etch and Catch (Catalytic Converter and Third Row Seat Engraving) at the listed locations. 

Over the last two years, criminals have targeted two specific vehicle items for theft.  First is the catalytic converter, this device is installed on vehicles for emissions control.  Due to the exterior location of the converters they have become a  target for thieves.  The problem is especially common among late-model 1999- 2007 Toyota Trucks and Toyota SUVs.

The second is the third row seat  in GM manufactured SUVs especially Tahoes, Yukons, Suburbans, and Escalades.   Because these seats are easily removed and storable, they have become high theft items.  The seats are very easy to reinstall in any similar SUV and it's impossible to track them back to the original vehicle.

Neither the catalytic converter nor the third row seats have serial numbers which makes them difficult to identify when items are recovered.

Due to the increase of thefts in local and surrounding neighborhoods, Lakewood Sheriff Station is holding this event to engrave the owner’s vehicle license plate number for free on either the catalytic converter or third row seat of the targeted vehicle models.

What this means to you: If your SUV/truck could be a target, talk to your local sheriff station or police department to get your seat or catalytic converter engraved.

If you desire additional information concerning this event, please contact.  Sergeant Carlos Girard at (562) 623-3635 or Deputy Dan Castaneda at (562)623-3517.

Transmission & Muffler Service

16627 Pioneer Bl.

Artesia, Ca 90701

(562)860-4316

 

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