Last week, The Board of Supervisors announced new actions to combat the growing issue of
catalytic converter theft in San Bernardino County. Catalytic converter thefts have increased by 120
percent, with 556 cases reported in 2020, to 1,223 cases reported in 2021, but with a new ordinance
going into effect on September 22nd , thieves who are in possession of a vehicle’s emission device,
with no proof it belongs to them, can face a $1000 fine and up to six months in jail.
As part of the exhaust system, a catalytic converter is an emissions device located underneath the
vehicle that contains precious metals such as platinum (valued at $1000 per ounce), palladium
($2000 per ounce), and rhodium ($14,000 an ounce).
The devices are recycled at scrap metal yards for hundreds of dollars, making it difficult to prosecute a thief for a crime where the victim cannot be identified, largely due to the lack of identifying markers on the catalytic converter. While a thief may only make hundreds on a converter, the repairs and replacement can cost the victim between $1000-$3000.
Previously, there had been no federal or state legislation applicable in San Bernardino County
requiring people to show proof to law enforcement how they obtained a catalytic converter. Now
with the new ordinance, people in possession of a device unattached to a vehicle must provide the
following:
- Vehicle license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Name, address, and telephone number of the vehicle’s owner.
- Signature of the owner authorizing removal of the catalytic converter.
- Name, address, and phone number of the current owner of the catalytic converter.
