In a June 13 release, LBPD says there have been roughly 41 catalytic converter thefts reported in East Division between April 1 and June 10. See map below:

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Source: LBPD June 13, 2018 release

In its release, LBPD asks "residents to be extra watchful for suspects involved in suspicious activity."

[LBPD release text] Suspects are stealing catalytic converters from vehicles to sell to recycling centers and unscrupulous muffler shops to earn cash. Thefts primarily occur at nighttime, but have also taken place during the day, as a converter can be removed very quickly.

Catalytic converters are expensive components of the vehicle's exhaust system, and vital for a vehicle's emissions system to work correctly. The theft of a catalytic converter renders the vehicle inoperable, and once removed, severe engine damage can result if the vehicle is driven. The repair cost for original equipment manufacturer parts varies by manufacture, size, content, and design. A victim can expect a repair bill to range from $500 to $2000, plus the price of labor and towing.

The Police Department will continue to present catalytic converter theft cases to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and/or the Long Beach City Prosecutor's Office as appropriate, in an effort obtain criminal filings against apprehended suspects.

The community is asked to be alert to individuals observed crawling underneath a vehicle, who sometimes have a getaway vehicle nearby. Any suspicious activity should be called in to police right away, and providing a vehicle description and/or license plate number can also be helpful if it can be safely obtained. "These thefts can occur to any type of vehicle, at any time, and at any location," stated Patrol Bureau Deputy Chief Wally Hebeish. "We urge the community to report unusual or suspicious activity immediately."

Victims of theft are encouraged to file a report, which can be completed online or by calling the Business Desk at (562) 570-7260. Residents are also encouraged to practice the following tips, which may prevent them from becoming a victim:

• Invest in an anti-theft cable locking device, which are significantly less costly than replacing a catalytic converter
• Park your vehicle in your driveway or garage whenever possible
• Make arrangements for your vehicle if it will be left for an extended period of time
• Install motion sensor lighting around your home
• Get to know your neighbors so it's easier to recognize persons that don't belong in your neighborhood; neighbors that communicate are more likely to look out for one another
• Report loiterers; they may be casing the area
• Immediately report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1
• If you are a victim, speak with your mechanic about potentially spot welding or collapsing the bolt threads at the time of replacement; this could prevent a second theft.

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As previously reported by LBREPORT.com, despite LB voter approval of the Measure A General Fund ("blank check") sales tax increase giving City Hall a $40+ million annual cash infusion, the City Council has voted to restore only 17 of 208 formerly budgeted citywide deployable police officers (erased during the "great recession.") The net effect is a thin per capita police level for LB residents with 191 fewer citywide deployable budgeted police officers than the City provided in entering 2009.

In FY18, the City of Signal Hill budgeted roughly 3.15 officers per thousand residents. The City of Los Angeles budgeted roughly 2.47 per thousand. Long Beach (L.A. County's second largest city) budgeted (Mayor recommended, Council approved) 1.58 citywide deployable officers per thousand residents.

LB 3rd dist. Councilwoman Suzie Price chairs the Council's Public Safety Committee, on which 4th dist. Councilman Daryl Supernaw is Vice Chair. 5th dist. Councilwoman Stacy Mungo chairs the Council's Budget Oversight Committee.

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Here's the Long Beach math:

• Long Beach FY18 adopted budget = 848 total sworn officers. Of the 848 total officers, 93.25 are contracted to, paid by and deployed at LB's Port + Airport + LBTransit + LBCC+ LBUSD + Carmelitos + Metro, meaning they aren't routinely available for citywide deployment, neighborhood patrols or citywide calls for service.

• 848 total officers minus 93.25 contracted officers = 754.75 budgeted citywide deployable officers.

• 754.75 / 478.827 [thousands in LB's population] = 1.576 (rounded to 1.58) budgeted citywide deployable officers per thousand population.

Data sources for budgeted officers: City of LB FY18 adopted budget, p. 358; SHPD Operations Lt. Nick Davenport; LAPD website (www.lapdonline.org) viewed May 3, 2018. Population numbers from Report E-1, May, 2018, CA Dept. of Finance

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