Catalytic converter thieves target Toyotas
March 15, 2023 UPDATE: An additional eight cases of catalytic converter theft were reported this morning. Seven of the thefts were from Toyota vehicles. At this time, Bradenton Police have not determined if the same suspects are responsible for these cases.
March 14, 2023
Case #s: 2023-002202, 2023-002204, 2023-002205, 2023-002206, and 2023-002207
The Bradenton Police Department is investigating a series of thefts of catalytic converters from Toyota pickup trucks.
On March 14 at approximately 7 a.m., five catalytic converter thefts were reported in three apartment complexes off 51st St. W. and Cortez Rd. The targeted vehicles were all Toyota pickups. The catalytic converters were cleanly cut from the vehicles, and the cutting tool left behind a red residue.
It is believed that these cases are connected to multiple catalytic converter thefts targeting Toyota Tundra and Tacoma trucks reported in neighboring jurisdictions. The thefts have been reported in apartment complexes and hotel parking lots, including gated neighborhoods. The suspect vehicles identified in these cases include a 2022 white BMW X4 crossover SUV with stolen Florida license plate JFGN32, and a white Audi four-door sedan.
If you have a catalytic converter theft case with similar details or recognize either suspect vehicle, please contact Officer Brian Sands at 941-999-8978 or brian.sands@bradentonpd.com. To remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll-free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous E-Tip through manateecrimestoppers.com.
To avoid becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft, consider the following:
Park in a garage when possible.
Park in an area covered by surveillance video.
Park close to curbs to deter access underneath your vehicle.
Park in well-lit areas.
Etch your vehicle’s VIN and license plate number on your catalytic converter. You can also write your VIN on your converter using a UV pen.
The Bradenton Police Department also encourages residents and business owners to register their privately owned surveillance camera systems with SafeCam, a free, crime prevention and investigation tool. As officers respond to criminal incidents in our community, they may be able to use the information or footage gathered from the security cameras to assist in the apprehension and prosecution of the criminals involved. If you would like to participate in this program, contact Officer Joshua Small at Joshua.small@bradentonpd.com or 941-875-2096.
