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Catalytic Converters: An Answer to the Surge in Thefts

By District Attorney Summer Stephan

03/31/2022
in District Attorney News, Feature, Featured, Features, News
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Catalytic Converters: An Answer to the Surge in Thefts
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When we think of trends, it’s usually in fashion or style. But in law enforcement, there are also trending crimes. Today, the trend is stealing catalytic converters from automobiles. The part, which aids in making exhaust pollutants less harmful, contain three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium, which are sold to scrap yards.

A catalytic converter can be stolen in just minutes, making cars that sit higher off the ground, easy targets because of the easy access. It’s also rare to catch a thief in the act.

As of December 2021, reports of catalytic converter thefts shot up by 423% in a one-year period in San Diego County. Last year, more than 2,000 catalytic converters were reported stolen. Since 2018, our office has filed 58 cases against catalytic converter thieves. In the last few months, we’ve filed eight new cases that represent 17 stolen converters. The cases we’ve been able to file are just a drop in the bucket compared to the thousands being stolen each year.

The problem for law enforcement is holding thieves accountable. Even though most catalytic converter thefts meet the state threshold for grand theft, since they are mostly valued above $950, current law makes it difficult to prove that they are stolen, despite how seemingly obvious it may be.

As of now, catalytic converters are practically untraceable because there is no identification number or record of legitimate possession associated with them. The lack of identification makes it easy for thieves and scrap metal businesses to avoid consequences and makes it easier for recyclers to avoid liability for purchasing a stolen converter.

Detectives are sometimes unable to match a stolen catalytic converter to the vehicle it was stolen from — which is a necessary step to pursue a criminal case.

Because of these difficulties, I am supporting SB 919 authored by Brian W. Jones, (R-Santee) that would require car dealers to permanently mark the vehicle identification number on the catalytic converter before sale. This will help law enforcement identify stolen converters and increase the likelihood that we can file a criminal case.

The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of recyclers and will require them to provide detailed records to law enforcement and the bill will make it easier to establish probable cause for arrest and prosecution. If passed into law, SB 919 will give us the tools we need to reduce catalytic converter thefts and hold thieves accountable.

In the meantime, here are steps you can take to protect your catalytic converter:

  1. Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement.
  2. Park in well-lit areas.
  3. Install an anti-theft device.

As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and the public. I hope these consumer and public safety tips have been helpful.

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@thestudiodoor is launching a new annual exhibitio @thestudiodoor is launching a new annual exhibition called ART+ LGBT History Month, in conjunction with October’s LGBT History Month.

Held Oct. 5-28, the month-long exhibit will feature the work of local artists, including Jackie Han, Carole Kuck, RD Riccoboni, Joe Phillips, and a number of works curated from Lambda Archives’ extensive collection.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE VIA THE LINK IN OUR BIO OR AT: https://lgbtqsd.news/get-your-art-on-for-lgbt-history-month/
BREAKING NEWS: Southern California Shop Owner Murd BREAKING NEWS: Southern California Shop Owner Murdered Over Rainbow Flag Dispute.

Lauri Rosenthal Carleton, owner of fashion boutique Mag.Pi (@magpi_shop) in Cedar Glen, Calif., was murdered Friday night, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department. Those close to Carleton say the gunman shot her over a dispute about an LGBTQ pride flag hung outside her shop.

According to an initial report by the San Diego Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, Carleton was shot by the male suspect who arrived at her store and erratically removed the pride flag she had hung outside of her shop to express her support for the LGBTQ community. 

Carleton was said to have confronted the male after he removed the flag, who then shot her multiple times before fleeing. Carleton was pronounced dead from the gunshot injuries on the scene by emergency medical personnel.

READ THE FULL STORY VIA THE LINK IN OUR BIO OR AT: https://lgbtqsd.news/southern-california-shop-owner-murdered-over-rainbow-flag-dispute/
Due to police activity that began just after 7:15p Due to police activity that began just after 7:15pm Thurs, today’s print issue of LGBTQ San Diego County News will be delayed.  Several streets near our printer’s office remained closed as of 11:30am this morning. 

We will update you as we learn more. 

In the meantime visit lgbtqsd.news to read our digital @Issuu. We are working to get all stories posted online by day’s end. 

Our friends at @abc10news have the full story on the Carlsbad standoff at bit.ly/3YqkhBB or via the link in our bio. 

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🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Happy Pride, San Di 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Happy Pride, San Diego! We hope you’re having a wonderful, safe, joyful celebration this weekend! 

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🏳️‍🌈 #SDPride weekend is now here! Benny 🏳️‍🌈 #SDPride weekend is now here! Benny Cartwright (@BennyC80) shares his thoughts on poor behavior by some non-LGBTQ guests in our local bars and venues.

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🏳️‍🌈🎨 The PROUD+ exhibition, produced 🏳️‍🌈🎨 The PROUD+ exhibition, produced by @TheStudioDoor, will feature the artwork of 50 contemporary artists from across the nation who identify as LGBTQIA+. 

Read all about it at the link in our bio.

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🏳️‍🌈 Looking for something to do the Mon 🏳️‍🌈 Looking for something to do the Monday after Pride? We've got a couple options listed in our 2023 #SDPride Guide!

On Monday, July 17, if you're feeling like giving back, you can join the Bankers Hill or Hillcrest Post-Pride Community Cleanups! If you're feeling more like letting loose (or after the cleanup), head to @gossipgrill_ for F*#k Pride Monday!

Get the details at the link in our bio.

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