On Monday, Ramon Villareal, 26, and Jesus Araiza, 21, both of Bell, were arrested for allegedly stealing catalytic converters from vehicles in the Crescenta Valley area.

Patrol deputies stopped the driver, later identified as Villareal, and passenger Araiza in the 2300 block of Foothill Boulevard. After an investigation deputies discovered a catalytic converter and various hand tools in the vehicle. Reports of eight thefts of catalytic converters were received by the station overnight from La Crescenta, Montrose and La Cañada Flintridge.

The two men were arrested for reasonable cause grand theft.

A catalytic converter from a Toyota pick-up truck was allegedly found in the suspects’ possession. Detectives believe it came from a vehicle burglary in the Crescenta Valley area.

Detectives are asking the public to contact the CV Sheriff’s Station if they were a recent victim of this type of vehicle burglary.

The station’s phone number is (818) 248-3464.

– Mary O’KEEFE