Technician points to weak cutting point that thieves can exploit to quickly steal a catalytic converter | police.unm.edu/
Technician points to weak cutting point that thieves can exploit to quickly steal a catalytic converter | police.unm.edu/
Sandy Springs police have partnered with three local businesses in a new effort to try to cut down on catalytic converter thefts across the area.
In a recent report by FOX 5 Atlanta, Sandy Springs Police Department Sgt. Matthew McGinnis said 54 catalytic converter thefts have been confirmed already this year.
"People lose thousands of dollars when their catalytic converter gets stolen off their car because the cost to repair it is anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000," Sgt. McGinnis told FOX 5 Atlanta. "So, we're trying to combat that and deter the theft on the front end."
Authorities say criminals frequently steal the expensive car parts for precious metals like platinum, which can easily be sold for scrap.
As part of the initiative, Sandy Spring residents now have the option of making an appointment at a True Automotive or Pep Boys on Roswell Road, where workers will engrave their catalytic converters with the last five digits of their VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, as well as the initials "SSPD."
According to the report, police are hoping marking the parts will help deter thieves from viewing the convertors as an easy target, and for those who still carry out the crimes, they argue the changes will make it easier to track the down the culprits and hold them accountable.
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