By Mary O’KEEFE

Glendale police are asking the public to be aware of possible catalytic converter thefts in their neighborhood.

Between Sept. 16 and Oct. 26, six catalytic converters have been stolen from vehicles in the far North Glendale area. In addition, on Oct. 19 a catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle parked at Orangedale and Montrose avenues in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County/La Crescenta.

In one incident, a witness reported seeing a vehicle that was possibly driven by a suspect. The vehicle is described as a Chevy Avalanche, either gold, tan or gray.

The thefts usually occurred Fridays through Mondays, either day or evening. The cars have been parked on the street or in the driveway of the home. The suspects in Glendale appear to be targeting 1990s Mitsubishi, Mazda and Toyota vans. The catalytic converter that was stolen in La Crescenta was from a Toyota 4Runner.

Glendale police suggest when possible vehicle owners should park in secure areas. They also suggest installing motion-sensing lighting.

Anyone who sees or hears something suspicious in their neighborhood should call 911 for emergencies and, in Glendale for non-emergencies, call (818) 548-4911 or email Officer Matt Zakarian at mzakarian@ci.glendale.ca.us. For those in La Crescenta, for emergencies call 911, for non emergencies call the Crescenta Valley Sherifff’s Station (818) 248-3464.