Authorities recover 1,800 stolen catalytic converters in Norwalk bust

Baldwin Park Police Department

NORWALK — Authorities recovered approximately 1,800 stolen catalytic converters and arrested four suspects during a large-scale law enforcement operation in Norwalk, officials said.

The seizure, valued at an estimated $500,000, was the result of a months-long investigation led by the Baldwin Park Police Department into a surge in catalytic converter thefts across Southern California.

Investigators identified two key locations tied to the operation: a site in South Los Angeles where stolen converters were allegedly being purchased, and a Norwalk location used to store the parts. Law enforcement agencies executed a search operation at the Norwalk site earlier this week, leading to the arrests of four individuals suspected of buying and selling stolen converters.

During the operation, one suspect fled the scene and remains outstanding. Authorities said the individual left behind a juvenile, who was later safely reunited with a parent.

In addition to the recovered converters, officers seized four vehicles believed to be connected to the operation.

Officials said the investigation began last July amid a regional increase in catalytic converter thefts, a crime driven by the high value of precious metals contained in the devices. Replacement costs for victims can reach up to $2,000, according to authorities.