Does Social-Media Goad Reactions to Catalytic Converter Theft?

Posts on Twitter, Facebook, and the ubiquitous NextDoor are releasing photo's of attempted catalytic converter thefts but one post in a West San Fernando Valley went so far as to suggest shooting out the tires if a theft is caught in the process.

That suggestion, while not the reason for a fatality in Palmdale, could incite fear, anger, and justification for a multitude of reactions. The Palmdale incident occurred when a team of four pulled alongside a truck, with the occupant asleep. Their noise awoke the driver and she panicked, instinctively started the car and put it into reverse to leave the area. Unfortunately, she ran over the thief who died at the hospital. The incident made national news California woman runs over, kills would-be catalytic converter thief: cops (nypost.com)

An incident of catalytic converter thefts gained a less tragic notice in Las Vegas, with the theft based under an Oscar Meyer Weinermobile. Oscar Mayer Wienermobile falls victim to catalytic converter theft (nypost.com)

While the LAPD has a systematic process of marking the converter, with an etched serial number, there is no assurance the thief regards that, or sees it, as a deterrent. The edicts from Governor Brown Newsom to eliminate all gas-engine cars will also eliminate catalytic converters and their valuable mineral content.

The EPA, in 1975, legislated the installation of a product on all cars; and now 45 years later they have legislated it to disappear, unraveling an industry created by mandate.

November 2, 2022: “With California’s higher emission standards, our community has become a hot bed for catalytic converter theft,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Last year approximately 1,600 catalytic converters were reportedly stolen in California each month, and California accounts for 37% of all catalytic converter theft claims nationwide. I am proud to announce that we have indicted nine people who are at the core of catalytic theft in our community and nationwide.” Justice Department Announces Takedown of Nationwide Catalytic Converter Theft Ring | OPA | Department of Justice

Related articles from SFVnewsPortal.com:

Catalytic Converter Theft: Alert from LAPD Devonshire Division | 2/8/22

Catalytic Converter Theft Has Attention of City Council...For City Owned Cars 3/3/22

Catalytic Converter Theft: Legislation to Halt | 3/21/22

LAPD Topanga Division Converter Etching Event - 50 vehicles max | 5/14/22

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