Arcata police arrested two juveniles Wednesday in connection with at least 11 catalytic converter thefts across three neighborhoods over the past six weeks.

Both suspects are 17 years old. APD did not release their names due to their ages. They were booked into Humboldt County Juvenile Hall on charges of grand theft, possession of stolen property, and possession of burglary tools.

The thefts occurred between January 8 and February 18 in the Sunny Brae, Valley West, and Westwood neighborhoods. Targets included Toyota Tacomas, Honda Elements, and Ford F-150s. All are high-clearance vehicles where the converter is accessible without a jack.

Residents in Sunny Brae reported the first thefts in mid-January. A Tacoma owner on Foster Avenue woke up to a missing converter on January 8. Two more were taken from vehicles on Buttermilk Lane and Greenview Court within the following week.

APD received 11 reports total. Replacement costs ranged from $1,200 to $3,400 per vehicle. Several victims said their insurance deductibles meant they paid most of the repair out of pocket.

The break came from a surveillance camera. A resident on Westwood Court installed a motion-activated camera after a neighbor’s truck was hit on February 12. The camera captured two individuals approaching a parked F-150 at 2:47 a.m. on February 16. They were under the vehicle for approximately four minutes. APD reviewed the footage and identified the suspects through follow-up investigation.

Officers located both juveniles at a residence in Valley West on Wednesday afternoon. A search of the property recovered a battery-powered reciprocating saw, three catalytic converters, and approximately $1,400 in cash. APD said the recovered converters are being matched to specific theft reports.

APD Chief Brian Ahearn said the arrests close the active case but that the department expects converter thefts to continue as a regional trend.

“This is not unique to Arcata,” Ahearn said. “Rhodium and palladium prices are still high enough to make converters a target. A stolen converter sells for $100 to $300 at a recycler. The tools cost $40.”

California law enacted in 2023 requires recyclers to document the source of catalytic converters and maintain records of sellers. Ahearn said APD is working with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s office to determine whether any local recyclers accepted the stolen converters.

The two juveniles are scheduled for an initial hearing in Humboldt County Juvenile Court. The district attorney’s office will determine whether to file charges as juvenile offenses or seek transfer to adult court.

APD recommends that vehicle owners park in well-lit areas, install motion-sensor lighting, and consider catalytic converter anti-theft devices. Several aftermarket shield products are available for high-target vehicles for $150 to $400.

Anyone with information about catalytic converter thefts in the Arcata area can contact APD at 707-822-2428.