The Los Angeles City Council is trying to prevent the theft of city property after 39 catalytic converters were stolen from city vehicles in one weekend last December.
Council unanimously approved a motion on March 2 to investigate the risk of theft from city vehicles, and at security measures at locations where the thefts occurred.
“Especially in light of the value of the city assets contained in these yards, these break-ins raise serious concerns about whether adequate security and loss-prevention practices are being implemented,” the motion reads, which was introduced by Councilmembers Paul Krekorian and Monica Rodriguez.
The December theft of catalytic converters—a device that mitigates toxic exhaust emission—cost the city an estimated $74,000, according to the motion. In addition, catalytic converters were stolen from more than 68 city vehicles during a break-in at a Lincoln Heights city facility in March 2021.
“The theft of catalytic converters in particular is widespread nationwide and has gotten worse because of recent dramatic increases in the salvage value of their components,” the motion stated. “Theft of other metal items similarly has increased for the same reason. The risk to the taxpayers of theft of city vehicles and other assets therefore continues to be significant.”
Each catalytic converter can be sold for up to $1,200 each, according to the LA County District Attorney’s Office.
Last week, LA County District Attorney George Gascón, along with LA Police Department (LAPD) Chief Michel Moore, expressed their support for a state measure that would attempt to reduce the theft of converters.
“These crimes are costly to consumers in both repairs and insurance costs. They also make us feel unsafe,” Gascón said in a press conference last week. “The solution to this problem, interestingly enough, is very simple to a great extent. When a catalytic converter is stolen, it is untraceable. That means that those crimes cannot be solved unless someone is literally caught in the act—something that is very difficult for the police to do.”
State senators Anthony J. Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) and Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) earlier this month introduced Senate Bill 986, a measure that combats catalytic converter theft by requiring dealers to apply a vehicle identification number to the catalytic converter of each vehicle listed for sale.
“Catalytic converter thefts are rising and serious,” Portantino said in a statement. “We must enact tougher law enforcement strategies and penalties to combat it. SB 986 offers a simple common-sense solution to eliminating the legal challenges of prosecuting the theft of catalytic converters. The bill will also result in a reduction of thefts of used converters, which is good news for both victims and law enforcement.”
As for the city council’s efforts to stop the theft, the March 2 motion also instructs the city’s Department of General Services to look into thefts of city facilities in the last two years that have resulted in significant losses or damage to city assets and directs the department to report back to the council with recommendations on cost-efficient measures to reduce asset losses and damage.
In addition, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson added an amendment to the motion that will direct the Board of Public Works and the LAPD to report on potential methods to apprehend suspects who steal the devices or purchase the salvaged goods—including using GPS tracking systems on catalytic converters.
Each of the reports will return to the council on April 1.
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