Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Monday his office was proposing a collaboration with U.S. automakers to combat the rise in thefts of catalytic converters locally and nationally.
Catalytic converters are used to turn vehicle exhaust into less harmful gases, and are constructed from valuable metals like platinum, rhodium and palladium. When sold as scrap, they can fetch up to $1,200 each.
"Catalytic converters are quick and easy to steal, and thieves can quickly turn them into cash," the D.A. said in a statement, noting that a lack of unique serial numbering for converters makes it nearly impossible to prove theft in court.
Gascón said he has reached out to four major U.S. vehicle manufacturers to explore possible solutions to the problem. According to the D.A.'s office, only the Torrance-based Honda Motor Company has expressed interest in engaging on the matter.
According to the National Crime Bureau, California is ranked among the top five states for catalytic converter thefts. The Bureau reported a significant uptick in such thefts since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
City News Service contributed to this report.
