Public safety director reports uptick in Part 1 crimes, catalytic‑converter thefts cited as key driver

Public Safety Director Larry Berceda told the Duarte City Council that Part 1 crimes are up 15.5% year‑to‑date (May 2026 vs. May 2025), with vehicle‑related crime — and catalytic‑converter thefts in particular — the biggest driver of the increase.

"Overall, our Part 1 crimes year to date numbers... we are up 15.5%. The biggest driver behind this increase in crime rate is going to be vehicle related crime," Berceda said, adding that catalytic‑converter thefts are often organized and frequently shipped out of state after being stripped for precious metals.

Berceda told council staff have set up special operations in high‑trend areas and times, are leveraging the city’s fixed and portable camera systems, and are canvassing neighborhoods for leads and suspect descriptions. He also noted that the five‑year trend remains down roughly 29.6% compared with 2021, which he said provides longer‑term context despite the recent uptick.

Council members thanked the department for increased activity around schools and crosswalks and asked about enforcement near specific locations. Berceda said enforcement uses a mix of warnings and citations and that the department is coordinating with other agencies and the Army Corps on riverbed operations and planned cleanups.

What happens next: the department will continue special operations, expand neighborhood‑watch meetings and coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and vendors to investigate and disrupt organized catalytic‑converter theft rings.