Colorado is the first state in the nation to launch an initiative aimed at providing vehicle owners with more protection against catalytic converter theft as the issue continues to surge throughout the country.
AAA Colorado and Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority have partnered to offer a program in which serial numbers are etched on catalytic converters. The number will then be entered into a database searchable by law enforcement, salvage yards and recyclers throughout the state to ensure the part hasn’t been stolen. The program is free for vehicle owners in Colorado, said J. Skyler McKinley, AAA, regional director and public affairs.
“Obviously catalytic converter theft is a huge problem,” he said. “We’ve seen thousands of cases (more than) in 2019 and 2020. We are the first to figure out how we might be able to tackle this and if we nail it, other states will turn to Colorado and say ‘That’s the state that finally figured out how to stop catalytic converter theft.’”
In 2019, there were 151 catalytic converters reported stolen statewide, McKinley said. The following year, the thefts spiked to 930, and this year so far, there have been 2,485, an increase of 1,556% over 2019.
Not only can catalytic converters be stolen in a matter of minutes, but they are rich in precious metals, which can earn a person who sells them on the black market or to a salvage yard hundreds or thousands of dollars.
“No. 1, we shouldn’t minimize the fact that millions of Americans’ backs have been against the wall economically as a function of the COVID-19 pandemic,” McKinley said. “It was as much an economic devastator as it was a health and safety one. That generally has increased the rate for theft.”
McKinley said other states have started calling AAA to learn more about the program and how it works in hopes they too can prevent catalytic converter theft.
The program is grant-funded by Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, which is part of the Colorado Department of Public Safety.
“A fee is collected from insurers in Colorado of $1 (per) vehicle that funds the program to help combat auto theft,” Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Blake White said. “Part of this initiative includes vehicle immobilizers and other anti-theft programs.”
There are more 150 AAA-affiliated automotive repair facilities in Colorado that are participating in the program. To find a location, go to bit.ly/3qI03m4.
This content was originally published here.
