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FACTS
- A catalytic converter can be stolen WITHOUT accessing the vehicle; therefore, it is not regarded as grand theft.
- The California Bureau of Automotive Repair Consumer Assistance Program does not cover the replacement of a stolen catalytic converter.
- The California Bureau of Automotive Repair website offers suggestions about preventing theft
- The determination of which category, petty theft (under $950 in value) or grand theft, would be based on what the thief is caught in possession of when arrested. The aggregate value of converters from more expensive vehicles as well as those which are original equipment would quickly reach the threshold to be cited as grand theft.
- The LAPD does not track the theft of catalytic converters.
- Amy Harris, State Farm spokesperson says California far outranked other states in catalytic converter theft claims in 2021. Last year, State Farm paid $62.6 million for 32,265 catalytic converter theft claims nationally — a 1,173% increase from 2019.
- Thieves tend to hit smaller, lighter cars that are left unattended in parking lots.
LEGISLATIVE SOLUTIONS
- California SB986 (introduced 2/14/22) would require dealers or retailers to mark the converters on new cars with the vehicle's identification number.
- California AB 2398, (introduced 2/17/22) would make it a crime to possess a catalytic converter that has been detached from a car without documentation.
- California Assembly Bill 1659 (introduced 1/14/22) would expand the definition of an "automobile dismantler" to include someone who keeps two or more used catalytic converters that are not attached to a motor vehicle. Status 1/27/22 Referred to Committee on TRANS.
- Arizona existing law only addresses those who buy or sell the catalytic converters outside of their ordinary course of business.
- AZ House Bill 2652, would amend the law to incorporate the soliciting, advertising and possession of used catalytic converters in addition to their purchase and sale. A violation of this law would be considered a class one misdemeanor
Related article Catalytic Converter Theft Has Attention of City Council...For City Owned Cars
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