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Catalytic converter theft is a problem; This is why I support Rep. Baird’s solution
Over the past several years, law enforcement officers across the country have been fighting a rise in catalytic converter thefts.
Catalytic converters are a vital component of many cars on the road today that reduce emissions. These parts contain precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium and, depending on metal prices, can be sold to scrap yards for hundreds of dollars. Troublingly, these parts can be removed in a matter of seconds, making them a prime target for criminals.
For drivers, these thefts can be devastating – resulting in thousands of dollars of damages or even totaling the vehicle. For those who can receive repairs, installing a replacement takes weeks, limiting drivers’ mobility as they await repairs.
I know all too well the reality of catalytic converter thefts. We have experienced a significant rise in catalytic convertor thefts in our county and state. Unfortunately, these types of thefts are difficult to detect in progress and even more challenging to prosecute due to lack of traceable information on the catalytic convertor that ties it to the automobile it was stolen from.
Our area is not alone – police departments throughout the country are experiencing similar issues.
According to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the number of reported catalytic converter thefts rose over 325 percent from 2019 to 2020. As crimes continued to rise throughout the past several years, police departments took steps to prevent further thefts. Officers encouraged the public to take preventative measures like parking in a well-lit area or installing brackets and braces around catalytic converters. Still, catalytic converter thefts persisted, and it became clear that further action was needed.
Throughout the past year, I have worked with sheriffs from several surrounding counties on a task force to stop catalytic converter thefts. There was clear consensus that current laws limit officers’ ability to prevent these crimes. A lack of criminal code regarding the trafficking of these stolen parts means that law enforcement must catch a criminal removing the part to prosecute them, and for a crime that can be committed in under a minute, this creates a challenging situation for police.
In recent years, several state legislatures have passed legislation to help officers stop catalytic converter thefts with encouraging results. Still, many leaders in law enforcement agreed that a nationwide solution would be the most effective solution to this concerning crime.
The Preventing Auto Recycling Thefts Act, introduced recently by Congressman Jim Baird, is a long-awaited tool that will allow police across the country to finally stop catalytic converter thefts. This bill would introduce commonsense reforms that make it more difficult to steal catalytic converters, easier to locate stolen parts, and enhance our ability to enforce the law. I am pleased to see this legislation introduced before Congress and look forward to supporting its passage.