Full Notification

Catalytic Converter Arrest - ECPD may have your stolen catalytic converter

May 17, 2021 Early this morning, ECPD officers arrested three people suspected of stealing catalytic converters in the area of 10900 San Pablo Ave. During the arrest, officers located four catalytic converters that they believe were stolen within the last day or two. If you have suffered a recent theft of your catalytic converter, please contact the El Cerrito Police Department. We want to reunite you with your parts!  The ECPD can be reached at (510) 215-4400 during business hours.

If you are concerned about the safety of your catalytic converter, please take a moment to read below about how you can protect your car.

Catalytic converter thefts are taking place because the converters contain several types of expensive recyclable materials that can be easily scrapped for a quick profit. Thefts of catalytic converters increase each time the cost of scrap metal, particularly platinum, increases. Your vehicle's catalytic converter is a device used to reduce the toxicity of emissions from an internal combustion engine. The converter is attached to your exhaust system and is located underneath your car. Catalytic converters contain expensive precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

So what can you do to protect your vehicle? Below are five prevention tips that can reduce your risk.
• Park in areas where passers-by will easily see your vehicle. For example, park under lights after dark or near windows at a business. Park near security cameras, if possible.
• Park defensively. Park high profile vehicles so they are surrounded by low ground clearance vehicles.
• Most muffler shops can weld bracing onto your vehicle’s catalytic converter to make its removal difficult and time-consuming for thieves. • Install a catalytic converter protection device that will clamp around the converter or block it off completely.
• Etch your converter with your vehicle’s license plate number or VIN in several different locations. Serializing will help police track your property if it is stolen and recovered.

If your converter is stolen, file a police report immediately after the theft is discovered.