Catalytic Converter Thefts Continue to Plague Area, Police, Sheriff’s Department Plan Saturday Theft-Prevention Etching Event

The Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will take a step to combat the ongoing thefts of catalytic converters in our community. 

An etching program open to the public will be hosted by Toyota Pasadena, 3600 E. Foothill Blvd., from 8 to 2 p.m. on January 7 with no charge to the community and no appointment needed. 

The converters are being stolen due to the valuable metal they are made of.

Etching a catalytic converter with the vehicle’s factory VIN, allows law enforcement officers to identify victims when would-be suspects are encountered, and in possession of the stolen converters. 

Thefts of catalytic converters from parked vehicles in Pasadena doubled in 2021, police said.

Law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California have reported significant increases in the crime.

The etching event is open to the public. The Sheriffs Department possesses specialized equipment that will expedite the engraving process as it is anticipated that over 600 vehicles will be processed that day.