What are thieves driving? Dilapidated sedans? A sketchy panel van? An old truck? We’re experts at theft, but I think we can all agree that thieves should drive a car that doesn’t draw attention to themselves.
But the Torrance, California thief had a different opinion and chose to drive the opposite in a humble manner. Captured in CCTV footage originally posted by the Torrance Police Department, a group of men can be seen getting out of a yellow Lamborghini Urus after parking next to a white van. Goals, goals? Well, of course, the prized catalytic converter which has been the target of theft in recent years.
According to the police, the incident occurred on November 9, 2022, at around 4am on block 3800 184th Street. CCTV footage captured the four male suspects in action, with one of them acting as a lookout while the others continued their criminal activities.
The footage, however, failed to capture the vehicle’s license plate, although police noted that it had black wheels.
This is not the first catalytic converter theft caught on camera. Last year, a car in the driveway was caught on tape while two suspects took its catalytic converter. Worse, it was done in broad daylight.
Earlier this month, the United States Department of Justice stopped a multi-state catalytic converter theft ring. The indictment involves 21 people from five states and seeks forfeiture of assets worth more than $545 million.
“Last year approximately 1,600 catalytic converters were reported stolen in California every month, and California accounts for 37% of all catalytic converter theft claims nationwide. I am proud to announce that we have indicted nine people who are at the core of catalytic theft in our corporate community and national,” said US Attorney for the Eastern District of California Phillip A. Talbert.
