Catalytic Converter Arrests In Watsonville | Crime

WATSONVILLE, Calif. -- Watsonville Police say they arrested two men trying to steal cars, and they could be linked to dozens of crimes across the state. It could be a big break in catalytic converter thefts hitting hard in Santa Cruz County. 

Watsonville police say thanks to vigilant residents on the 300 block of Clifford Avenue, they were able to catch the two thieves from Sacramento.  Police say when they confronted Seng Her and Thai Vue, they were in the process of removing a catalytic converter from a truck. Turns out, the car the suspects came in was stolen too.  Police found a shaved key in the Honda's ignition.  Inside the car, police found 3 catalytic converters, shaved keys and tools.  Now police are working with other law enforcement agencies in Santa Cruz and Sacramento to see if Her and Vue are connected to other converter thefts.

"We need to do some background investigation on these individuals to find out if they've been arrested for this in the past, find out who their associates are, and if they work on the automotive industry or mechanic shop," said Lt. David McCartney, Watsonville Police.

Catalytic Converter thefts are a big problem across California right now.  Over the weekend, police near Sacramento arrested four people for stealing converters from Sacramento all the way to Santa Cruz.

Police said the two suspects have a long list of criminal charges for burglary and theft.