Posted on 05/08/2022 9:29:37 AM PDT by real saxophonist
Catalytic converter thefts target of state bill
by: Carly Moore
Posted: May 7, 2022
DENVER (KDVR) — Countless catalytic converters are stolen in Colorado, behind many victims’ frustration and a call for change. The FOX31 Problem Solvers have been hearing these complaints for months.
Auto thefts have risen by 5,100% in Colorado, according to the Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association. And in the first three months of this year, the Denver Police Department said five catalytic converters are reported stolen on average each day.
A new bill in the state legislature could soon become a law aimed at stopping this.
Current law requires the owner of a salvage yard, a junk collector or any other business that purchases commodity metals to keep a record of all transactions involving commodity metals. The bill applies these same requirements to transactions involving catalytic converters.
Any person who acquires five or more vehicles in a year in order to reclaim parts or metals, including catalytic converters, must consult the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System to ensure that the vehicles are not stolen.
Auto dealers want help for catalytic converter theft victims
David Cardella is the CEO of the Colorado Independent Automobile Dealers Association. He said supply and costs are also an issue. The CIADA has sent a letter to Gov. Jared Polis calling for amendments and has started a petition.
Cardella said the state needs to help those who have already been victimized by allowing after-market catalytic converters to be used in Colorado.
“Unfortunately, the people who have been victimized by the crime of catalytic converters are now being victimized again because they can’t get their cars on the road,” Cardella said. “They can’t get to work. They can’t get to school. They can’t pick up the kids. They can’t go to the grocery store. And it’s created quite a dilemma.”
CIADA said Coloradans are left for months with inoperable vehicles while they await catalytic converter repairs. The availability of CARB-certified after-market catalytic converters is almost non-existent because of supply chain issues, with no remedy in sight.
Cardella said the state also has strict requirements when it comes to aftermarket catalytic converters, meaning getting replacements are even harder.
“That’s the difference between, you know, paying your bill, not paying your bills, paying your rent and not paying your rent. And that really is an unacceptable answer,” Cardella said.
Cardella said he hopes the new bill prevents thefts but believes some thieves take the converters out of the state or even out of the country.
So far, this bill has passed through several readings in both the House and the Senate with little opposition. FOX31 has reached out to the sponsors of the bill and will keep you posted when we hear from them.
Good time to get a Catalytic Converter Test pipe to eliminate the Cat from your Vehicle.
Cat stolen?
Need a cat to pass smog?
WELL???
Someone needs to open a “NEW” business....
RENT A CAT!!
Bullcrap.
Stolen catalytic converters are sold on black markets in Colorado, California, and other States that don’t allow after market catalytic converters.
They are worth more than the metal content, as they can be sold to theft victims desperate to get their car to pass smog checks and back on the road.
Your points are accurate and valid, Calipornia State Government allows catalytic converter theft to punish citizens who drive gasoline vehicles, and gleefully adds sales taxes and smog fees.
And on site....
.......................................
May I cite you?
It’s illegal to install a used cat.
So you’re suggesting that the same people that would NOT install an aftermarket cat (because it’s illegal) WOULD install a used OEM cat, even though that is also illegal?
That makes absolutely no sense.
The law will do nothing they will take the damn things over state lines criminals will continue because there are NO CONSEQUENCES!!!
“May I cite you?”
I see no problem with that.
Stolen catalytic converters are sold on black markets in Colorado, California, and other States that don’t allow after market catalytic converters.
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Wrong.
Thieves saw them off of the bottom of a car. There is no way that part is then usable in another car. the palladium, however, is more valuable than gold.
It’s pretty hard to prove that a used cat has been installed. Actually, it’s impossible.
Well, unless the used cat has a date code on it and it doesn’t match up with the rest of the vehicle. Like a 2015 date code on a 2013 vehicle.
Also, if the used cat were stolen, it was likely removed with a sawz-all, and it’d have to be welded back, which would leave some welds that didn’t exist when it came from the factory.
If only it was illegal to steal CATS. We need a law. shooting em works for me.
“Do all catalytic converters have serial numbers?”
only if the owner puts one on ...
“Police work will solve it.”
NOW.
When our southern border-crossers begin to replace today’s government employees, don’t expect law enforcement to become better than south-of-the-border...
The illegals in question become employees of contractors who employ them at Target.
Have you had one stolen from one of your cars?
I have, the pipe was sawzalled six inches in front of the converter and the entire exhaust pipe including the converter was taken, ready to immediately splice into another Prius.
Also, targeted cars would be random if you are correct. This is not the case.
The common consensus seems to be that the Prius, 4Runner, Tacoma, Honda Element, and the Accord are the most targeted cars. By far.
Ask yourself how converters generate 300,000 in cash in a State where junkyards are watched like hawks to prohibit buying catalytic converters.
What’s the business model there?
Some Chinese guy in a trenchcoat gonna ship 2,000 converters to China? And outbid the local chop shops who can sell the converters for $400+ bucks a pop.
Give me a break.
“It’s pretty hard to prove that a used cat has been installed. Actually, it’s impossible.”
CATS need to be “VINNED” like fenders and window glass.
They check for OEM converter during smog check in California and Colorado. You can’t register your car without a smog check. They have no way of knowing the converter was stolen unless it is was engraved with the previous car’s VIN.
So yes, that’s not only what I’m suggesting, it’s what’s actually happening.
Most stolen cats are cut out with a sawzall.
I don’t care how good you think your welding skills are, reinstalling a cat that was removed with a sawzall will leave telltale welds.
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