Full Notification

The first six months of 2024 were great for car owners in El Cerrito!!🚗 Unfortunately, since July, catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise. In a month and a half, thieves have stolen 23 catalytic converters, costing our residents approximately $53,000 in repairs.

Thieves target Toyota Priuses, Honda CR-V’s and Toyota Corolla’s. If you or a loved one owns one of these vehicles, please take steps to make sure that your converter is secure.

What can be done to help prevent these thefts?

- Park in your garage, if possible.
- Park in well lit areas, or areas with motion sensor lighting.
- Park in a way to block access to the part
- Set your car’s alarm to react to vibration
- Engrave your car’s catalytic converter

You can also take advantage of the ECPD’s cat etch program!! For more information visit: www.el-cerrito.org/catetch, or visit our front lobby to pick up your cat etch kit.