BERKELEY — Two males driving a Maserati SUV didn't steal a catalytic converter from a car Thursday morning and pointed weapons at a person strolling his canine earlier than fleeing, police stated.
The tried theft, from a Toyota Prius, occurred about 6:08 a.m. Thursday within the space of Bancroft Manner and McGee Avenue in central Berkeley.
Police stated the lads couldn't steal the converter as a result of it was outfitted with a theft prevention gadget.
Whereas the lads have been making an attempt to steal the converter, a person strolling his canine handed by, prompting the suspects to brandish a rifle and pistol on the man, police stated. The person was not injured.
The boys then sped off within the white Maserati SUV, which had paper plates. They're being sought, police stated. Detailed descriptions of the suspects weren't launched.
To date this yr there have been 231 catalytic converter thefts in Berkeley, authorities stated. Final yr there have been 846 catalytic converter thefts within the metropolis.
Such thefts have grow to be a serious downside nationwide primarily as a result of the gadgets comprise useful valuable metals, comparable to platinum and rhodium, that may fetch thieves good costs.
There have been homicides and non-fatal shootings throughout such thefts within the East Bay.