On June 4, 2021, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a business burglary that occurred at Orkin, located at 137 Canvasback Drive in St. Rose, Louisiana. During the investigation it was learned that during the nighttime hours of June 3, 2021 between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 a.m., an unknown subject(s) forced entry into a fenced area and stole the catalytic converters from six (6) different vehicles that were parked at the business.

A similar incident was reported on May 6, 2021 at Mullin Landscaping located on River Road in St. Rose where the catalytic converters were stolen from eight separate vehicles.

A catalytic converter is an anti-pollution device on vehicles that contains precious metals, and it has become a magnet for thieves looking to make a lot of money.

It is unknown if the two incidents are related, but both are still under investigation. In both cases, the targeted vehicles were all “Imports,” specifically of the Toyota and Isuzu manufactured brands.

Business owners are asked to please take precautions, if they have businesses with vehicles left unattended and/or parked outside of the business overnight. Some precautions may include more lighting along with having quality security cameras that are operable and recording during overnight hours. Business burglar alarms with perimeter detection. Vehicle burglar alarms with vibration sensors. If possible, have the vehicles secured inside of garages or warehouses when not in use. The use of canine dogs inside of a fenced area may also be a viable deterrent.

If anyone has information about the incident at Orkin or Mullin Landscape in St. Rose, they are urged to contact Detective Jennifer James of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 783-6807.

Citizens with information about these incidents may also call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-903-STOP. Citizens do not have to give their name nor testify and could receive up to $2,500.