The thieves who cut catalytic converters out of City of Houston vehicles from a municipal facility on Japhet Street last year are the latest example of those committing the rampant property crime in Harris County, and they must be held accountable, District Attorney Kim Ogg said Wednesday.

Catalytic converters are emissions devices prized by thieves looking to sell the platinum and other precious metals they contain. Not only the city’s fleet has been targeted; Harris County residents also increasingly are finding the parts have been sawed from their cars and trucks.

Making matters worse, supply-chain woes related to the COVID-19 pandemic have depleted the availability of replacement parts, meaning that some vehicles are out of service for several weeks before they can be repaired.

“This property crime has plagued thousands of victims in our community as we are all already facing so many challenges, and it won’t be tolerated,” Ogg said.

A member of the theft ring that targeted the Japhet Street lot is a fugitive after failing to show up in court, and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to his recapture, Ogg said.

Brady Stanley, 26, was out on bond on four other felony charges when he failed to appear in court on Dec. 20, 2021. Stanley is charged with engaging in organized criminal activity for his role in stealing and reselling catalytic converters with accomplices in incidents spanning April through November 2021.

The combined value of 46 catalytic converters stolen from the city’s fleet at two locations in this case totals $36,800.

When Stanley didn’t show up in the 263rd District Court, a judge forfeited his bond.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to Stanley’s return to custody. Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

“Someone out there knows where this fugitive is hiding and now has an opportunity to not only do the right thing, but get paid,” Ogg said.

Assistant District Attorney Shanice Newton is prosecuting the cases, which were investigated by the Houston Police Department.

To reduce the likelihood of having a catalytic converter stolen, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office recommends taking these preventive steps:

· Park in a garage or a well-lit area.

· Park close to fences, walls, or curbs and alongside cars to make the catalytic converter less accessible.

· Mark the converter by stamping or engraving the VIN or license plate number.

· Install a theft-prevention device, such as a lock or cover.

· Report thefts immediately and obtain as much information about the suspects as possible.