re: Catalytic Converter Thieves Deserve Death Penalty

I know more about this than I care to admit.

Here's the problem:

-Cat. Conv. for the most part don't have a serial number. Very difficult to trace/identify if located.

-In LA, the sale of them is basically unregulated and "buyers" are basically driving the market with impunity.

-There is no specific law for the theft of them. It just falls under "Theft" and while most are of felony value, the courts only see it as a "non-violent" offense. This leads to pitiful sentences (if any) and doesn't deter repeat offenders.

-Very lucrative for the criminal. A good cordless Sawzall will have a cat. conv. off under a minute. No jack necessary on pickup trucks. For very little effort they are rewarded with a couple hundred bucks from a buyer who doesn't care who they are and has no obligation to identify them.



What you can do:

-Encase your cat. conv. in steel. (only kinda joking)

-Use high temp paint in a florescent color and spray it. Adding "GPS Tracked" lettering is next level.

-Laser etch a unique number/your phone number/ or your local PDs phone number on it.

-Lobby your representatives for new laws with harsher sentences for thieves and laws aimed at holding the BUYERS accountable.