The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is hosting a free event to etch catalytic converters on vehicles, in a bid to combat thefts which have surged in recent years. The event will take place on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pacific Design Center (8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood). Enter off 750 San Vicente Blvd., right on Pacific Design Center.
Catalytic converter thefts have become a nationwide problem as these devices, which contain precious metals, are easy to steal and have a high value on the black market. Thieves can quickly cut them out from under a car and sell them for a few hundred dollars each.
Toyota Priuses have been a particular target of thieves. Of the 34 catalytic converter thefts reported in WeHo over the past three months, 27 were from Priuses.
West Hollywood’s new program aims to deter theft by etching a serial number on the catalytic converter, which will be registered in a police database. If the catalytic converter is ever stolen, law enforcement can trace it back to the registered owner, aiding in the prosecution of the thief.
The etching process takes just a few minutes and does not damage the catalytic converter in any way. The program is open to West Hollywood residents and neighboring cities, and is geared towards residents first.
The program is part of a larger effort by West Hollywood to combat catalytic converter thefts, which have increased in the area. The city has also stepped up police patrols and launched a public awareness campaign to educate residents on how to protect their vehicles from theft.
To reserve a spot please contact Deputy Essandoh at eeessand@lasd.org or call 323-893-7805.
Yes, of course, because an etching is going to stop these p.o.s. from stealing the c.c. Not! The law needs to do a better job to stop/stomp the loser thieves. (*Can I call the thieves losers on here or is this West Hollywood publication like other local places which protects the criminals and their reputation?)