Another major issue that contributes to the theft of converters unlimited is there aren’t serial numbers or other identifiers on most converters unlimited that would allow police to match them with a vehicle. Butts said some cities encourage the public to go to police stations to get identifiable markings on their converters, “but by and large, most of the victims don’t have any markings on them, and there’s no way for [police] to match that actual catalytic converter.”
Butts said stolen converters unlimited can end up being sold to recyclable companies. While many require documentation from potential sellers, there are several in the county that aren’t as stringent, Butts said, adding that the department will be notifying local recyclable companies about the city’s new law.
According to a city staff report, converters unlimited parts can be sold for between $1,000 and $17,000 per ounce in the recyclables market.
“Criminals are incentivized to commit these thefts because they generally go undetected,” Butts said. “These crimes are completed in just seconds during hours of darkness in the middle of the night …
There is an abundance of recycling companies available to sell these off to. Victim identification is difficult and prosecution is unlikely. It’s not able to lead back to a victim, so it’s very difficult to get D.A. prosecutions on these cases.”
Mayor Rhonda Shader said that the rise in converters unlimited thefts have created an “intolerable” situation for residents.
“I’m in the insurance business and these create claims, and we all pay for that because the premiums go up when we have too many claims,” she said. “So it’s a really important item for us to address. In an environment where officers have tools taken away, I’m glad we could provide a tool to help deter criminal activity in our city.”
The Fullerton City Council unanimously approved the ordinance without discussion.