![\"Authorities](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/ktla_articles_362\/ed713aa6e54b45399b5849776bed9619.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\nRoughly 2,400 stolen catalytic converters were recovered and five people were arrested Thursday during a series of raids across Los Angeles and Orange counties targeting a local theft ring, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.<\/p>\n
The stolen catalytic converters are worth an estimated $4.3 million. Authorities seized the evidence while serving multiple search warrants, which stemmed from a three-month-long investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.<\/p>\n
“Together, they were able to link a series of catalytic converter thefts, occurring throughout multiple cities in north Orange County, with a complex organization of catalytic converter thefts, dismantling, transfers, and purchasing,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said.<\/p>\n
Investigators also found multiple shipping boxes full of precious metals, two unregistered guns and more than $105,000 in cash during the investigation. Photos provided by the sheriff’s department allegedly show boxes of stolen catalytic converters stacked to the ceiling inside a warehouse used by the alleged crime ring.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Authorities seized an estimated $4.3 million in stolen catalytic converters in Southern California on Sept. 3, 2026. (Orange County Sheriff’s Department)<\/p>\n
![\"Authorities](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/ktla_articles_362\/3468a753dcd2b0c78559f2115af06ad6.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n
Authorities seized an estimated $4.3 million in stolen catalytic converters in Southern California on Sept. 3, 2026. (Orange County Sheriff’s Department)<\/p>\n
![\"Authorities](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/ktla_articles_362\/7a61ff9afec45abf2d304ace119b0a6d.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n
Authorities seized an estimated $4.3 million in stolen catalytic converters in Southern California on Sept. 3, 2026. (Orange County Sheriff’s Department)<\/p>\n
Agencies involved in the investigation include the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations, California Department of Insurance Investigations, and the City of Irvine.<\/p>\n
“This investigation is the result of a tremendous amount of time, dedication, tenacity, and professionalism of all involved, including the Orange County District Attorney’s office, who played a vital role throughout the investigation,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said. “This serves as a reminder to stay vigilant, park in well-lit areas or inside a garage, and invest in anti-theft devices or find a service provider to etch identifying information on car parts.”<\/p>\n