City officials said the potential ordinance would make it illegal to possess a used, cut or unbolted catalytic converter that has been removed from a motor vehicle, unless the person in possession provides proof of ownership. Under existing laws, Richardson officers may arrest suspects caught in the act of theft or those found selling or purchasing stolen catalytic converters.
Catalytic converters are an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gasses and pollutants from internal combustion, according to Richardson Police Chief Gary Tittle.
Tittle gave a presentation on the issue of catalytic converter theft during a Sept. 26 City Council meeting.
According to Tittle’s presentation, catalytic converter thefts are on the rise nationally, from 3,389 in 2019 to 65,400 in 2021, which is a 1,830% increase. The national trend of theft of catalytic converters is due to the precious metals of rhodium, palladium and platinum contained in catalytic converters. On Sept. 1, 2021, Texas House Bill 4110 was enacted to address this issue; however, the bill only addresses those trying to sell or purchase catalytic converters, according to city officials.
Tittle said during the Sept. 26 meeting that 331 catalytic converter thefts and seven arrests were reported in Richardson in 2021. The number of reported catalytic converter thefts for 2022 year-to-date is 374, with four arrests.
The Richardson Police Department officials said it is recommending tips for residents to prevent catalytic converter theft. These include:
- parking in well-lit areas and close to building entrances or the nearest road where more people can see your vehicle;
- while at home, parking your vehicle in your garage;
- adding video surveillance to the area where you regularly park your vehicle;
- installing a catalytic converter-specific security device, engraving your vehicle’s license plate number on the catalytic converter or painting the converter with a bright high-heat paint; and
- adjusting the security system on your car, if already installed, to activate from vibrations, such as those produced by a saw.
