Emergency Ordinance Targets Peninsula City Catalytic Converter Thefts

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A Peninsula city is taking aim at catalytic converter thefts.

South San Francisco’s City Council voted unanimously in support an emergency ordinance that aims to reduce the fast-growing property crime, the city’s Police Department said on its Facebook page.

Under the new law, it is illegal to possess a used catalytic converter in South San Francisco.

“Catalytic converter thefts continue to be problematic throughout our city and is a growing statewide problem,” the South San Francisco Police Department said.

“Lawmakers have recognized that catalytic converter theft is a problem but because of the unique challenges in enforcing and prosecuting catalytic converter theft, existing theft laws are oftentimes inadequate.”

Catalytic converters reduce harmful pollutants and have been mandated in the United States since 1975.

They contain precious metals including platinum, rhodium and gold, which has made them an attractive theft target.

Catalytic converters can be removed from cars in minutes and sold to metal recyclers for $20-$200 according to Edmunds.

The extracted metals can be sold for up to $6,000 an ounce. The cost of replacing catalytic converters is typically upwards of $1,000.