Waco detectives have been working an investigation into a theft ring involving the thefts of catalytic converters in Waco that were being transported to neighboring cities and sold for scrap.
According to Waco Mayor Dillon Meek, the thieves were able to sell the items to businesses that did not have to follow City of Waco ordinances detailing the documentation of the sale of scrap materials.
"After extensive outreach by detectives, the business decided to cooperate with detectives which resulted in several suspects being identified," Mayor Meek said in a Facebook post. "The primary buyer for the converters was a business in Lorena paying from $75-$900 each."
Meek said street crimes received a tip on Feb. 2 that a wanted person, who was involved in the ongoing thefts, was staying in a local motel along with several other individuals that were involved in stealing catalytic converters in the Waco and Dallas area.
The unit set up surveillance in the area and identified the wanted person, according to Meek.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident and the unit made contact with two additional suspects.
"Consent was given to search the room, and the unit was able to locate several converters and methamphetamine," Meek said.
Two battery operated power saws and numerous batteries which were used to cut off the converters were also recovered.
All three males were arrested on numerous charges, according to Mayor Meek.
The investigation continues to identify additional suspects.
