Cupertino: Two arrested on suspicion of stealing catalytic converter

CUPERTINO – Two men were caught trying to steal a catalytic converter from a commercial van in Cupertino early Thursday, authorities said.

The incident was reported at a shopping plaza near South De Anza Boulevard and Rodrigues Avenue about 3:30 a.m., the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

The sheriff’s office said deputies saw the men cutting the catalytic converter from a Honda. Deputies found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia on the men, as well as saws, burglary tools and a floor jack inside their vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.

The men were arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose on charges of grand theft, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The sheriff’s office said the South Bay has seen a surge in catalytic converter thefts. The vehicle emissions control devices contain precious metals that can be sold for hundreds of dollars.

Residents can reduce the risk of having their catalytic converters stolen by parking in a garage, parking in a well-lit and highly trafficked area, parking in an area with security cameras or installing an aftermarket anti-theft device, the sheriff’s office said.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident can contact the sheriff’s office at 408-808-4500 or its investigative services anonymous tip line at 408-808-4431.