Monrovia Catalytic Converter Thefts and Business Break-Ins: October Police Reports
Updated: 3 days ago
Monrovia police logged four catalytic converter thefts in a single day, October 21, 2026, along with a business break-in on West Huntington Drive and several thefts from parked vehicles over the past two weeks. These reports come from the Monrovia Police Department's weekly Neighborhood Watch Reports, as published by Monrovia Now on October 22 and October 29, 2026.
This post sums up what was reported for October 15 to 28, what these crimes tend to have in common, and simple steps Monrovia homeowners, property managers and business owners can take to protect vehicles and buildings.
What did Monrovia police report in late October 2026?
Here are the property-crime items from the two weekly reports. All details come from the Monrovia Police Department as published by Monrovia Now.
Four catalytic converter thefts on October 21
On Wednesday, October 21, four people reported that the catalytic converters had been stolen from their vehicles:
6:57 a.m. in the 200 block of West Palm
7:01 a.m. in the 100 block of Melrose
3:10 p.m. in the 200 block of West Lime
3:26 p.m. in the 600 block of West Palm
A fifth catalytic converter theft was reported at the police station lobby on October 27. Police listed all of these investigations as continuing.
A business break-in on West Huntington Drive
On October 15 at 4:28 p.m., officers responded to an alarm at a business in the 600 block of West Huntington. They found a broken window and property had been taken. That investigation is also continuing.
Someone checking door handles on closed businesses
On October 26 at 11:08 p.m., an officer patrolling the 100 block of South Myrtle saw a man checking the door handles of closed businesses. The officer stopped him, and he was arrested after being found with drug paraphernalia.
Vehicle break-ins and thefts
October 20, 3:36 a.m.: A neighbor in the 900 block of West Hillcrest heard a loud noise and saw someone running from a property. Officers found a car with a smashed window and property taken.
October 26, 6:32 a.m.: A resident in the 400 block of West Duarte reported a car window shattered overnight.
October 28, 8:39 p.m.: A parked vehicle in the 400 block of East Duarte was broken into and tools were taken.
Sources: "Monrovia Police: Four catalytic converter thefts; Knife pointed at passing cars; Theft suspects found in Fontana; Fire prompts evacuations; and more...," Monrovia Now, October 22, 2026, and "Monrovia Police: Runner damages driver's door; Decoy meeting with minor leads to arrest...," Monrovia Now, October 29, 2026. Both are based on the Monrovia Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Reports.
Why are catalytic converters stolen so often?
Catalytic converters contain valuable metals, and they sit under the car where a thief with the right tools can cut one off quickly. Vehicles parked on the street, in open driveways or in unlit lots are the easiest targets. Trucks and SUVs that sit higher off the ground are often easier to get under.
The October 21 reports show two thefts discovered early in the morning and two in the afternoon. That is a reminder that this crime is not only a late-night problem. Many owners simply find out when they start the car and hear a loud roar from the exhaust.
How can I protect my car from catalytic converter theft in Monrovia?
You cannot make a car theft-proof, but you can make it a slower, riskier target.
Park in a garage when you can. If you have a garage, use it for the car most at risk.
Light your driveway. Motion lights aimed at the driveway or curb make people working under a car easy to spot.
Park close to the curb and near activity. In lots, choose spaces near entrances, cameras and foot traffic.
Ask about a shield or cage. A muffler shop can tell you if an anti-theft plate or cable is available for your vehicle.
Etch the converter. Engraving your license plate or VIN on the converter can make it harder to resell and easier to trace.
Set your car alarm to detect tilt or vibration, if your system supports it.
Report every theft. Reports help police connect cases and spot patterns.
How can Monrovia businesses prevent after-hours break-ins?
The West Huntington break-in and the report of someone checking door handles on South Myrtle point to the same lesson: people looking for an easy opportunity test doors and windows when businesses are closed.
Lock and check every door at closing
Make a closing checklist that includes side doors, back doors and roll-up doors. Have a second person check that each one is locked.
Protect your glass
Broken windows are a common way in. Security film, interior grates or roll-down shutters slow down a smash-and-grab and can protect inventory.
Keep the alarm working and answered
In the October 15 case, an alarm activation brought officers to the scene. Test your alarm regularly, keep your call list current, and think about who checks the property when the alarm goes off. Our post on adding an alarm response company to your alarm service explains how that works.
Add random patrol checks
A patrol officer who checks doors, windows and back lots at random times makes your property a less attractive target and documents anything unusual. Overnight patrols are available in many areas, so contact us to confirm coverage for your address. We wrote more about this approach in the role of random security vehicle patrols.
What should I do if my catalytic converter is stolen?
Do not drive the car far. It will be loud and may not run properly.
File a police report. In Monrovia, you can contact the Monrovia Police Department.
Take photos of the underside of the car and the area where it was parked.
Check nearby cameras, including your own and any neighbors willing to share.
Call your insurance company. Comprehensive coverage may apply.
When you replace the part, ask about a shield and get it etched.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monrovia seeing more catalytic converter thefts?
This post covers what the Monrovia Police Department reported over two weeks in October 2026. We do not have citywide trend numbers to share here. For local crime data, check with the Monrovia Police Department.
Will a security patrol stop catalytic converter thefts?
No service can promise to stop every theft. Visible patrols, good lighting and cameras make a property a less appealing target and help document what happens.
Does SGV Patrol cover Monrovia?
Yes. You can learn more on our Monrovia security services page. Overnight patrols are available in many areas, so contact us to confirm.
Is SGV Patrol licensed in California?
Yes. SGV Patrol is Licensed, BSIS PPO #17353, and has served the San Gabriel Valley since 2012.
Talk to SGV Patrol about protecting your Monrovia property
Whether you manage an apartment community, a retail center or a business on Huntington Drive, we can walk your property with you and suggest practical steps. Call SGV Patrol at (626) 727-1592. Calls are answered 24/7.
About the author
Samantha Stephens writes for SGV Security Brief, the blog of SGV Patrol. SGV Patrol is Licensed, BSIS PPO #17353, and has served the San Gabriel Valley since 2012. You can verify the company license on the California DCA license search. Call (626) 727-1592 for a security assessment. Calls answered 24/7.
Comments