Thieves targeted a salvage yard used by the Los Angeles Police Department early Thursday morning in downtown Los Angeles.
Power tools used to cut through metal, possibly catalytic converters, were found at the property. The lot is mostly used for vehicles in need to repair.
LAPD officers entered the yard with weapons drawn after someone called at about 3 a.m. to report unusual sounds.
It was not immediately clear how the thieves entered the yard.
Two people were taken into custody at the scene. What police described as a possible getaway vehicle also was found at the location
Catalytic converters are sought by thieves for the high-value metals found within the car parts.