Authorities say the investigation was initiated when police noticed an alarming amount of catalytic converter thefts.
According to police, Elias Monzon, 22, of the 5800 block of W. Walton was charged with one count of felony theft. William Burgos, 31, of the 900 block of N. Trumbell, Jorge E. Ortiz, 23, of the 2800 block of N. Milwaukee, Victor Hernandez, 29, of the 1000 block of N. St. Louis and Anthony Monzon, 20, of the 900 block of N. Trumbell were each charged with one felony count of theft, along with numerous other felony and traffic charges.
Police say blue light cameras positioned throughout the city were key to the investigation and resulting arrests. After reviewing the video, the detectives reportedly were able to positively identify a number of vehicles that were recorded on film during the time that the converters were stolen.
Based upon this information, police and detectives say they conducted a stakeout of the vehicles thought to be involved and subsequently witnessed the offenders cut off and steal converters from numerous cars.
According to authorities, the incidents took place between October 12 and October 20, 2009.
