FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Partnership launches to
combat catalytic converter theft as law enforcement brings
deterrent to residents
Community call to action
to help crackdown on theft of vehicle parts
Richmond,
VA, October 19, 2022
— As catalytic converter thefts rise in central Virginia, law enforcement
agencies are partnering with local stakeholders to help combat this crime.
Midas Auto Repair stores of Richmond, NAPA Auto Parts, the National Insurance
Crime Bureau (NICB), and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are
assisting law enforcement in launching operation "Catalytic Converter
Crackdown (CCC)." The operation is designed to deter thieves
from stealing catalytic converters from vehicles.
The
law enforcement agencies hosting the regional effort include:
- Chesterfield County
Police Department
- Colonial Heights
Police Department
- Hanover County
Sheriff’s Office
- Henrico County Police
Division
- Richmond Police
Department
- University of
Richmond Police Department
- Virginia Commonwealth
University Police Department
- Virginia State Police
(HEAT Program)
Residents
within the region have the opportunity to have their catalytic converters
spray-painted and marked for free, at one of five Midas locations on Nov.
13, Dec. 11 and Jan. 8, 2023. The free painting will be hosted by law
enforcement agencies at participating Midas locations between the hours of 10
a.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is required to have your catalytic
converter marked and is now open https://converter.midasofrichmond.com.
Reserve your time slot and choose from various locations in Richmond, Henrico,
Chesterfield and Colonial Heights.
The
goal of the operation, inspired by efforts in other regions, is to reduce the
number of catalytic converter thefts by making the parts less attractive to
thieves and scrap metal dealers. Most catalytic converters do not have serial
numbers, making it difficult for law enforcement to prove a catalytic converter
is stolen. Overtly marking your catalytic converter with paint associates it
with a jurisdiction and proactively aids in deterring theft. The markings also
alert scrapyard and recycling businesses the catalytic converter may have been
stolen.
"We
believe we'll see a reduction in thefts by adding a level of deterrence,"
said Commander Faith Flippo, Richmond Police Department. "The idea
of adding these markings is to quickly identify converters that may have been
stolen. Then, if the converter is taken to a metal yard or the culprit is
stopped by police in any surrounding jurisdiction- we literally may catch
thieves ‘red-handed.’"
As
catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationwide, Virginia ranks twenty
third in the country with 917 thefts in 2021. Thefts have increased
because the car parts contain precious metals that have skyrocketed in value in
recent years. Replacing a catalytic converter can cost between $945 and $2,500.
“This
type of crime can create a financial dent in our community members’ wallets,”
said Officer Doug Smart, Henrico County Police Division. “We urge all
community members to take active steps to avoid becoming a victim.”
In
Henrico County, between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30 of this year, there have been 683
vehicles targeted for catalytic converters. That number is up from last year
during the same period which had 504 catalytic converter thefts. In the city of
Richmond, reports of theft will surpass the total number of incidents reported
in 2021. As of September 30, Richmond reported 566 incidents of catalytic
converter theft with 559 reports total in 2021. In Hanover County, there have
been 60 reported catalytic converter thefts in the community through September
2022. As a result of the Sheriff’s Office’s investigative work, five
individuals have been arrested in connection to multiple thefts.
Catalytic
converters are part of a car’s exhaust system and convert toxic gases into less
dangerous gases. Unfortunately, vehicles with missing converters often pollute
more and have excessively loud engine noise, which worsens when drivers speed
up. A quick stop to a Midas in the Richmond area to have your cat converter
painted with high-heat automotive paint could help save you thousands in repair
costs.
Participating
Midas locations:
Chesterfield Colonial Heights Henrico in Short Pump
10160 Hull Street 1400 Boulevard 11463 West Broad Street
Henrico Richmond
5301 West Broad Street 1212 North Arthur Ashe
Other
ways to protect your vehicle include:
• Park in a garage or secured parking area;
• Install a bright motion sensor light to discourage potential thieves;
• Install an anti-theft device;
• Always lock vehicle and set the alarm;
• Fleet vehicles and minimally used vehicles should be parked in a secured and well-lit area.
