Two men have been arrested on suspicion of stealing catalytic converters in Cameron Park where a rash of such thefts have occurred this month.
The spate of catalytic converter thefts in El Dorado County has focused on Toyota trucks in the Cameron Park area, Sheriff's Office officials reported.
The El Dorado County Sheriff has taken 15 theft reports - averaging more than one per day - between March 29 and April 10.
All of the vehicles have been Toyota pickup trucks manufactured between 1989 and 1999.
Officials believe the thieves are using specialized tools in order to remove the converters, which contain trace amounts of valuable metals that may be sold to recyclers for up to $1,700 per ounce.
Deputies made a traffic stop last Thursday in Cameron Park near Bass Lake Road and Green Valley Road. Inside the vehicle, were two men Xeng Vue, 35, and Thao Xiong, 31, both of Sacramento.
The deputy sensed that the men were acting suspiciously when questioned about why they were in the area. The deputy then learned that Vue was on probation for stealing catalytic converters, which authorities said allowed a search of the vehicle.
Deputies found a pipe cutter and other tools, which could be used to remove a catalytic converter from under a car or truck. In the trunk, deputies also found a catalytic converter.
Both men were arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit grand theft.
Authorities urge vehicle owners to use audible alarms and park cars in a garage whenever possible.
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