Jul 19, 2008 9:01 pm US/Pacific
Etch 'n Catch: New Way To Track Converter Thieves
PLACER COUNTY (CBS13) ―
Residents and police in Placer County are teaming up to track and catch thieves who are making off with cars' catalytic converter, an expensive part that is sought by copper thieves.
Michele Juliano drives the type of vehicle thieves love to target, Toyota. "I had [a catalytic converter] stolen in July of last year and in January of this year," she said.
In all, it cost her almost $2,000 to replace, and probably took the thief less than a minute to steal. Rocklin Police volunteer Mark Linkiewicz said they sell for big money on the black market.
"It's the precious metals," he said. "There's silver in there, platinum."
There's a new idea to cut down on thefts: Etch the owners' license plate number onto the vehicles catalytic converter, so if it's ever stolen and recovered, police can easily find the owner.
Linkiewicz was doing the etching Saturday for free, servicing many drivers who couldn't pass up a free chance to help cops catch thieves.
The event was sponsored by the California Highway Patrol and other Placer County Law Enforcement agencies.
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