SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Catalytic converter theft has become especially rampant in California in recent years, and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills into law on Sunday to tackle the issue.
"If it's happened to you, you know exactly what I’m talking about," Newsom said in a recorded statement on Sunday.
"It's catalytic converter theft," he said. "It's part of that exhaust system on your car."
The machinery is relatively easy to remove, and contains valuable materials such as copper, that can be resold.
According to Newsom, some studies show that this type of theft has increased tenfold since 2018.
One bill, SB 1087 introduced by Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), will ensure that recyclers keep records of who they’re buying the catalytic convertor from and keep documentation of the converter itself, such as a photo.
The other, AB 1740, introduced by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, (D-Torrance), makes it so that vehicle information on each catalytic converter has to be recorded along with the title of the car, as well as identifying information on the converter.
The bills will also make it harder for anyone to recycle or resell the converters unless they are official buyers.
"We're going to get to the root cause, at least one of the root causes of this crime — and that's those brokers and middlemen who pay top dollar for stolen parts," said Newsom. "It will now be illegal to buy catalytic converters from anyone other than license auto dismantlers or dealers."
These detailed records will essentially help trace potential thefts back to their source.
"You take away the market for stolen goods you can help cut down on the stealing," he said.
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