Another wave of catalytic converter thefts hit Escalon over the last week, with four stolen overnight Thursday, July 18 into Friday, July 19.

It was the first time in several months that a coordinated effort resulted in the theft of multiple converters in a short time span.

Escalon Police said the cases were scattered around town, with two reports of converter thefts on Tiffany Court, one on Sierra and one on Yosemite. Two Dodge trucks and two Toyota trucks were targeted, officials added.

A cooperative effort of the police department and the local Les Schwab Tires earlier this summer provided for the etching of converters with the license plate number of the vehicle they belong to, seen as a deterrent to theft. Even if the piece is stolen, it can be traced back to the owner through the license number etched on to the converter.

Police said residents can still take their vehicles in to Les Schwab for the service, which was provided for free during the clinic.

Meanwhile, police in neighboring Oakdale arrested three Stockton men early morning on Monday, July 22 in connection with a series of converter thefts and attempted thefts in that city. Local police were in touch with Oakdale to see if the suspects may be responsible for the Escalon cases as well.