The theft of catalytic converters has risen 300% nationally over the past fiscal year. And three of every ten thefts have occurred right here in California.
Catalytic converters are located underneath a vehicle and are designed to reduce pollutants released from the exhaust system. However, catalytic converters also contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, etc., which makes them valuable on the black market.
To reduce the chance of theft in Huntington Beach, the Huntington Beach Police Department (HPBD) has hosted several catalytic converter etching events in collaboration with ExperTec. Etching identification numbers onto catalytic converters makes them traceable and less attractive to thieves. Additionally, HBPD recommends parking vehicles in well-lit areas and installing protective cages on the catalytic converters.
To further reduce the chances of these crimes occurring in Huntington Beach, the City Council passed Ordinance 4251, which makes it unlawful for any individual other than a Core Recycler of catalytic converters to possess a catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle without valid proof of ownership.
While the theft of catalytic converters will be difficult to prevent completely, these tools and tactics implemented by HBPD with the support of City Council can make Surf City more unhospitable to thieves.
