Catalytic Converter Theft Suspects Arrested

CAMERON PARK, Calif. (CBS13) -- Two men have been arrested for allegedly stealing catalytic converters in El Dorado County, authorities said.

Deputies stopped 35-year-old Xeng Vue and 31-year-old Thao Xiong near Bass Lake Road and Green Valley Road at about 2:45 a.m. last Thursday and grew suspicious when the two men couldn't explain why they were in the area.

When investigators learned Vue was on probation for stealing catalytic converters, they performed a probation search on the car, discovering a pipe cutter and other tools which can be used to cut the converters off of vehicles.

Deputies also found a catalytic converter in the trunk of the vehicle. Both men were arrested for possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit grand theft.

Investigators returned the stolen converter later that day.

Catalytic converters contain valuable rare metals and especially vulnerable to theft on vehicles with high ground clearance. The part can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars for a vehicle owner to replace, especially if the theft causes collateral damage to other parts of the car.