Legislation that would look to help tackle the growing problem of catalytic converter theft appeared in its first hearing in a Minnesota House committee on Monday.
The bill’s author, Mendota Heights Rep. Ruth Richardson, says the precious metals contained in the converters are valuable to thieves who resell them to scrap yards for cash.
“With criminal enterprises and conspiracies of this scale, it is no surprise Minnesotans are calling on us to do more to prevent this theft. This bill would make it harder to be unjustly enriched by catalytic converter theft,” Richardson said.
The bill adds requirements for scrap metal dealers and establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized possession or purchase of a catalytic converter.
Local police chiefs testified before the Minnesota House committee viewing the bill, sharing their experiences with the growing problem of catalytic converter theft.
West St. Paul Police Chief Brian Sturgeon spoke, calling for action.
“These thefts occur on our residential streets, in driveways of homes, school parking lots, and in the lots of businesses,” Sturgeon said. “It affects our residents and visitors to the city. We have residents that have been victimized more than once. Sometimes two or three times.”
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