Greg Premo, City of University Place Police Chief announcement.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed across the country since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Although we have not seen a huge rash of these incidents in U.P., we have dealt with a few cases so I want to share some information on this crime trend so you can hopefully avoid becoming a victim.
Thieves are targeting the theft of catalytic converters from all types of vehicles. Catalytic converters contain a small amount of one of three precious metals (platinum, palladium, or rhodium) that can be recycled for cash—close to $250 depending on the amount and type of metal.
Suspects crawl under the vehicle and use electric metal saws to remove the device. This process doesn’t take long so if you hear a loud sawing noise that seems unusual, don’t ignore it. Investigate and call 911 if you discover suspicious activity. Even interrupting the theft can help save the victim money. A full replacement is far more expensive than just a repair. Take a look at the graphic for more tips to help you avoid being a victim.
An active, engaged citizenry is part of the reason our crime statistics for 2021 are actually looking very positive. Violent crime is down 36 percent and property crimes are down 7 percent compared to 2020. I realize some victims of property crime do not report their incidents for various reasons, but we need this data to help establish crime trends and show the actual depth of the issue. So I encourage all citizens to report property crimes, even if nothing was taken or if there was only minor property damage.
As always, stay safe and let me know if you have any questions.
Existing federal law under the Clean Air Act section 203 (a) (3) requires a paper trail for all legally replaced catalytic converters. It also prohibits the sale and installation of used converters. Fines can be levied of up to $25,000.00 per converter. The real issue, as I see it is there is little if any enforcement. I see ads on Craigslist and other online sites for used converters. If scrap metal dealers were routinely audited, I suspect the thefts of converters would stop. I don’t know if local law enforcement is responsible for enforcing compliance or if EPA is. I just wish someone would enforce existing laws.
Well said, Mr. Block. Your concept of solving problems by enforcing existing laws is an excellent answer for a lot of our problems including firearm issues, traffic collisions, burglary and assault to name a few.
If society insisted that we enforce existing laws, remove scofflaws from society where they do harm by storing them in prison regardless of color of their skin, many problems would evaporate.
Today, jails refuse to accept or keep criminals locked up. In many jurisdictions, bail is a joke. They even have “cashless bail”.
For most criminals the consequences are so light they are simply considered by felons to be the cost of doing business. If the law was adjusted and criminals were informed that the result of being found guilty of damaging or stealing 1 catelytic converter was 10 years in prison with no time off for good behavior the number of thefts would drop. Instead of time off for good behavior, society should mandate more time for bad behavior.
Instead of a prison sentence being a joke, it would have real meaning based on known negative consequences. The price of 10 years in prison, would be way too high for most thieves resulting in plumeting rates of stolen converters.
You would think our politicians could figure this out for themselves.
Joseph Boyle
Chief Greg Premo,
You are really doing a fantastic job protecting and looking out for your citizens along with educating them on how they can become smaller targets for criminal activity.
Thank you sir for your job well done.
Joseph Boyle
Thank you Chief Premo for the information and your communications.