Catalytic converter thieves targeting Toyotas in Bradenton, 8 additional thefts reported

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - Owners of Toyota pickup trucks should keep a close eye on their vehicles -- thieves are targeting their catalytic converters, police say. By Wednesday afternoon, an additional eight thefts were reported. Seven were Toyotas and one was a jeep.

The Bradenton Police Department says they are now investigating 13 thefts. Police were investigating five thefts on Monday -- all Toyota pickups -- in three apartment complexes off 51st Street West and Cortez Road. The catalytic converters were cleanly cut from the vehicles, and the cutting tool left behind a red residue.

Police think these cases are connected to multiple catalytic converter thefts targeting Toyota Tundra and Tacoma trucks in neighboring jurisdictions.

The thefts have been reported in apartment complexes and hotel parking lots, including gated neighborhoods.

Catalytic converters are valuable because they include precious metals such as palladium and platinum.

Two suspect vehicles identified include a 2022 white BMW X4 crossover SUV with a stolen Florida license plate JFGN32, and a white Audi four-door sedan.

If you’ve been victimized or recognize either suspect vehicle, please contact Officer Brian Sands at 941-999-8978 or brian.sands@bradentonpd.com.

To remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000, call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous E-Tip through manateecrimestoppers.com.

To avoid becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft, consider the following:

Park in a garage when possible.
Park in an area covered by surveillance video.
Park close to curbs to deter access underneath your vehicle.
Etch your vehicle’s VIN and license plate number on your catalytic converter. You can also write your VIN on your converter using a UV pen.

Bills advancing in the Florida Legislature would increase the penalties for such thefts. The House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee voted 14-1 on Wednesday to approve a bill (HB 185) that would make a series of changes in criminal laws to try to crack down on the thefts.

House bill sponsor Fred Hawkins, R-St. Cloud, said thieves cut catalytic converters off vehicles and then sell them because of the metals. “This is a crime that usually the victims don’t realize it’s happened to them right away,” Hawkins said. “They come out, start their car from parking overnight, or they’re in the shopping mall, it can happen that quick.” The Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee unanimously approved a Senate version of the bill (SB 306) on Tuesday.

The House bill, in part, would create third-degree felony charges for “knowingly” purchasing, possessing or selling stolen catalytic converters. Also, it would create an “inference” that people with two or more detached catalytic converters knew or should have known they were stolen or fraudulently obtained.