Manhattan Beach Police to Host Free Catalytic Converter Etching Event
May 26, 2021 05:39PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Here's a chance to thwart criminals and keep your car safe: The Manhattan Beach Police Department is hosting a free catalytic converter etching event on Saturday.
The "Etch & Catch" will be held at the Kinecta Federal Credit Union headquarters parking lot (1440 Rosecrans Ave.) from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It will be first come, first served. To let the police know that you want to attend, DM them on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/manhattanbchpd/) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/manhattanbchpd).
MBPD detectives say that etching your catalytic converter can serve as a proactive approach to combat catalytic converter threats and ultimately better equip investigators in the follow-up of such
crimes.
Catalytic Converter Thefts
Thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles are becoming increasingly common across the country, including in the city of
Manhattan
Beach.
According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, more than 60 vehicles in town had catalytic converters stolen between June 2020 and March 2021. The breakdown in thefts was as follows:
• June - December 2020: 48 reported catalytic converter thefts
• Jan - March 19, 2021: 17 reported catalytic converter thefts
MBPD reports that thefts have predominantly occurred between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. (with a peak at 3:00 a.m.).
They have happened across the entire city in no one particular area, with the most frequently targeted vehicles being the Toyota Prius and the Honda Element.
Suspects typically use a mechanical handheld reciprocating saw (loud apparent noise) or mechanical underground cable cutter (quiet and swift), according to MBPD. The whole process can take place in a matter of minutes.
Why Catalytic Converters?
A
catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device used to curb
harmful emissions by turning pollutants into less-harmful gasses.
Thieves
target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals such
as platinum, palladium, or rhodium. Catalytic converters can bring in up
to several hundred dollars from a metal recycler. And with rising
prices for rare metals, the theft of catalytic converters has become a growing nationwide trend.
Thieves tend to target hybrid cars because the damage to those rare
metals is less on a hybrid car than in a standard car (because its gas engine is used less frequently). Pickup trucks and
other high-rise vehicles are also targeted because the catalytic converter is easier to
access.
Having a catalytic converter stolen
can become a costly headache for vehicle owners. Replacing a catalytic
converter, such as for a Prius, may cost up to $3,000 and is not always
covered by insurance.
Tips for Residents
To prevent catalytic converter theft, MBPD recommends that residents take the following precautions:
2. Consider installing a “Catalytic Converter Cage” (fits all make/models; starts at approximately $150) or a “Catalytic Converter Shield” (specific to Toyota Prius; starts at approximately $125) through your local muffler shop;
3. Have your catalytic converter etched with identifying information to aid in the investigation/prosecution if recovered stolen (as police are doing on Saturday);
4. Calibrate your vehicle’s alarm to activate upon vibration;
5. Ensure that your home video surveillance or doorbell cam is functioning properly and is set to record;
6. If you see, or hear something strange, say something. For emergencies, call 911; for non-emergencies, call the MBPD at 310-802-5140.
