Program Available To Help Catch Thieves

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise, so the state is trying to do something about it with help from Toyota West.  The catalytic converter is the anti-pollution device that is part of your car’s exhaust system.  It converts pollutants like carbon monoxide into harmless compounds.  It also contains precious metals which thieves want.  On Saturday, various organizations held an “Etch and Catch” event.  Toyota West mechanics etched specific numbers onto the catalytic converter of 60 cars, free of charge. 

Vickie Neal of the National Insurance Crime Bureau tells NBC 4, currently there is no way to track a the catalytic converter, but by engraving the vehicle identification number into the catalytic converter, it now becomes traceable back to the original owner.  The catalytic converter on the vehicle can cost anywhere from $600-$3000 to replace.  Insurance experts say thefts go up as the economy bottoms out.

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