Union City, CA: A swift response from Union City police led to the arrest of two suspects involved in an attempted catalytic converter theft early Thursday morning. Authorities stated that the suspects were caught in the act thanks to a timely alert from a local resident who noticed suspicious activity near a parked vehicle in a residential neighborhood.
Officers responded to the 911 call around 2:15 a.m. in the area of Dowe Avenue and Whipple Road. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered two individuals attempting to remove a catalytic converter from a parked car using power tools. The loud noise reportedly woke several nearby residents, prompting the quick report to police.
Suspects Taken Into Custody Without Incident
According to police officials, the suspects attempted to flee upon seeing patrol units approaching. However, officers quickly contained the area and apprehended both after a brief foot chase. No injuries were reported during the arrest.
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Both suspects, men in their late twenties, were taken into custody on suspicion of attempted grand theft, possession of burglary tools, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Their vehicle, a dark-colored sedan parked nearby, was impounded for further investigation. Inside the car, officers recovered cutting equipment, several saw blades, work gloves, and a jack stand — all believed to be used in the illegal activity.
Growing Concern Over Catalytic Converter Thefts
The incident adds to a growing string of catalytic converter thefts occurring across the Bay Area over the past several months. Thieves target these car parts because they contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which can be sold for high prices on the black market.
Union City Police Department officials have been urging residents to remain alert and report any unusual noise or activity, especially late at night or in areas where parked vehicles are abundant. They have also emphasized the importance of installing anti-theft devices or parking vehicles in well-lit areas to deter such crimes.
Police Commend Community Involvement
Authorities praised the alert resident who called in the suspicious activity, stating that community vigilance plays a critical role in preventing property crimes.
Union City Police Chief Maria Gonzales commented, “This is a great example of community partnership. The resident’s quick action allowed our officers to respond in time and stop the theft before it was completed. Working together with our community is the most effective way to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
The department reminded citizens to remain cautious when approaching suspicious activity and to always contact law enforcement instead of confronting suspects directly.
Ongoing Investigation and Possible Links
Investigators are currently examining whether the two suspects are connected to other similar thefts reported in neighboring cities such as Fremont, Hayward, and Newark. The department is also reviewing local surveillance footage and collaborating with regional task forces that focus on catalytic converter thefts.
Residents with information related to the case have been encouraged to contact Union City Police’s Property Crimes Unit. Officials noted that additional arrests could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Community Urged to Stay Proactive
Police say catalytic converter theft remains one of the most common vehicle-related crimes in California. While prevention methods cannot guarantee total protection, simple steps such as engraving vehicle identification numbers on converters, setting up motion-sensitive lights, and using catalytic converter cages can greatly reduce risk.
Union City PD has also scheduled a community awareness event next week at the Kennedy Community Center to educate the public about theft prevention and vehicle safety.
Conclusion
Thanks to the vigilance of a quick-thinking resident and the fast response from Union City police, an attempted catalytic converter theft was thwarted before any loss occurred. As law enforcement continues to crack down on rising property crimes, community cooperation remains the key to keeping neighborhoods safer.
