“These crimes are costly to consumers in both repairs and insurance costs. They also make us feel unsafe,” Gascón said. “The solution to this problem, interestingly enough, is very simple to a great extent. When a catalytic converter is stolen, it is untraceable. That means that those crimes cannot be solved unless someone is literally caught in the act — something that is very difficult for the police to do.”
Senate Bill 986 would prohibit automobile dealers and retailers from selling a new vehicle unless a vehicle identification number (VIN) has been engraved or etched onto the catalytic converter. It also would prohibit the cash sales of used catalytic converters by requiring core recyclers to accept only traceable payment methods, such as a credit card.
Catalytic converters, which are used to turn hazardous exhaust into less harmful gases, are made of highly valuable metals such as platinum and can be worth up to $1,200. The exhaust emission control devices currently are untraceable. Without a unique identifying feature, like a VIN, it is nearly impossible for law enforcement to prove that a particular catalytic converter was stolen.
There has been a sharp rise in catalytic converter thefts nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. California is among the top five states for catalytic converter thefts, according to the agency.
Last October, Gascón called upon four major automobile manufacturers to work with his office to find creative solutions to address the rise in catalytic converter thefts in Los Angeles County.
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Tim Scott says
As to the proposed law…
I think the “no cash transactions allowed” portion specifically conflicts with federal law, although I am too pressed right now to take time to look it up. I am pretty sure however that the “this note is legal tender for all debts public and private” that is printed on all US currency is backed up in law somewhere.
The vin number thing is a good idea, though I am pretty sure that the core (where all the precious metals are) is worth just as much as catalytic converter sold whole is worth, so if the VIN is engraved on the case peeling the case and selling the guts for scrap still seems viable.
America's Most Needing Moderation says
Amazing how you break things down. Maybe I DON’T want to play chess with you (and lose) after all.
Tim Scott says
Don’t chicken now.
FU?$ gascon says
Gascon hates the victims and the families of violent crimes and murders. But he wants to fix catalytic converter thefts. He is a perfect example of why liberals should not be in charge of anything that comes to crime and punishment. It’s because they have no moral compass and that they make horrible decisions in situations like this. my guess is he came up with this measure right after his catalytic converter got stolen off his Mercedes Benz in his gated community .
Stinger says
Ahh… Always lovely to hear such a well articulated position of opposition to… Oh wait, to what, specifically? I’m afraid you got so caught up in your little factless ad hominem tirade that you forgot to include which particular policy of Gascon’s you take issue with. Also, you failed to include your thoughts on the actual proposed law.
Tim Scott says
You don’t really expect them to have any thoughts, do you?