San Jose police are launching a new program aimed at curbing rampant catalytic converter thefts in the Bay Area.
Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed 1,200% in San Jose over the past two years, according to police. The San Jose Police Department is working together with local auto shops to offer customers an etch of the vehicle's license plate numbers on their converters.
"We will put your license plate engraved onto your catalytic converter, as well as spray paint the official star of the San Jose Police Department," Yolanda Porras told KCBS Radio.
She is the manager at Speedy Midas and said their phones have been ringing off the hook since they started offering the free service this week.
The San Jose Police Foundation will provide the materials needed and mechanics are donating their time for the program. The Foundations President Rob Fisher said this is believed to be the first of its kind, an anti-theft initiative in the state.
"Having just launched it a couple of days ago w'’re planning on sharing this program with other police foundations in other cities across California," Fisher said.
The program is named after The Nguyen, a San Jose man who was shot and killed nearly a year ago after he interrupted thieves stealing his catalytic converter.
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