Are Car Burglars/Cat Converter Thieves Escalating The Local Arms Race?

We’ve mentioned an apparent shift in the local crime scene, with car burglars, jackers, and Catalytic Converter rustlers increasingly well-armed while plying their chosen trade.

We do have a photo of one crew at work, a member under a car and working on the converter while another member provides “security” – covering the front door of the residence with a pistol and extended magazine, ostensibly to dissuade anyone rushing out.

On Tuesday night, an Antioch man was shot and wounded in the leg when a crew of thieves apparently attempting to steal motorcycles from his driveway opened fire on him as he exited the residence.

Police said the victim was taken to a local hospital and is expected to recover. They did not say what type of weapon was used or if anything was said prior to its discharge.

The thieves did manage to take one of the targeted motorcycles, according to police.

The theft occurred on Carriage Way at 7:33 p.m.

Thefts of this type are by no means limited to Contra Costa County, with police in Redwood City issuing the following after a series of thefts and the appearance of armed team members in their area:

There have been other recent catalytic converter thefts reported in other Bay Area jurisdictions where the suspects were armed. The department urges residents to use caution if they observe an in progress catalytic converter theft.