Catalytic converters stolen from San Francisco police vehicles

The San Francisco Police Department has become the latest victim of the catalytic converter theft.

Around 1 p.m. Monday, an officer noticed that one of the department’s marked trucks parked on Potrero Hill had its catalytic converter stolen, police said in a statement. Upon closer inspection of the department’s other vehicles, it appeared that three other marked cruisers – another truck and two vans – were also targeted, according to police.

The thieves targeted the department’s Office of Special Operations building, which sits at 17th and Haro streets and houses many of the department’s vehicles, Mission Local reported.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is still ongoing.

Catalytic converter thefts have been a problem in California during the pandemic. Thieves are able to extract the small but valuable device from a car in just minutes and sell it for a hefty price, with recyclers paying $50 to $250 per converter, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

In the first hours before the San Francisco Police Department shoot, one of its officers was injured after being hit by a car while trying to stop two suspects from stealing a catalytic converter , reported KGO-TV.

Anyone with information in either case is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department’s tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text TIP411 and start the text message with SFPD.