Thieves targeting SUV's catalytic converter at NW Miami-Dade complex interrupted by owner
MIAMI --Police were searching Wednesday for two people suspected of trying to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle during an early morning attempt in Miami-Dade that may have included gunfire.
The sound of shots being fired was captured on a surveillance camera as the owner of the Toyota SUV confronted the would-be thieves shortly before 5 a.m. at an apartment complex located at NW 81st Avenue and NW 8th Street..
Residents said they were startled by the sound of power tools, which is why one resident woke up and went outside with a gun to see what was going on.
"The victim said there was an exchange of gunfire, after which he fled," said police spokesman Detective Andre Martin.
That victim, Luis Vega, said, "I heard a power tool going off and when I looked over from the balcony I saw 2 guys sawing away at the catalytic converter. So I spooked them and they took off and then they came back and that's when I took cover. They positioned themselves behind a pickup truck and they pointed a gun and fired off some rounds so that's when I positioned myself away and I shot at them. They saw me pull out my gun and they started to run away."
Vega said, "I have been carrying a gun for 30 years legally and I have never had any problems before. I have never been to jail. I have never had this problem."
Now Vega says he is on guard.
"They are welcome to come back," he said. "They are going to have a bad time, a real, real bad time."
Video from the scene showed power tools left underneath the vehicle suggests that the thieves were right in the middle of trying to remove the catalytic converter, prized because of the metal it contains, when they stopped and fled from the scene.
Residents in the area said they were upset by the crime.
"They're crooks (and) they don't want to work," one resident said.
While residents in the complex expressed nervousness about the incident, some mentioned that similar events had occurred in the past.
When asked about their reaction, they believed the Toyota owner was justified in his response.
However, law enforcement officials caution against confronting individuals engaged in criminal activities. They advise the public to prioritize safety by calling the police rather than intervening directly.
Thefts of catalytic converters nationwide have quadrupled in recent years, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The Bureau reports tha there were 16,600 thefts of catalytic converters in 2020 and there were 64,701 thefts in 2022.
CBS News Miami's Peter D'Oench spoke with veteran auto mechanic Joe DeVarona from the Beacon Auto Care Center in Doral and he said there are ways to protect your catalytic converter. He said, "You can go online and get an anti-theft device made for your vehicle, something specific for your car. Absolutely, you have to slow them down."
Catalytic converter shields are sold online in some cases for $398. Catalytic converters can be expensive. They often range from $1,500 to $5,000 and insurance may not cover the cost of replacing them.
Authorities say you can get an alarm and have your vehicle identification number engraved on your catalytic converter with your phone number. That will help law enforcement track it if stolen. You can also put a sticker on your car saying that it has an alarm.
