Shelton School Buses Hit By Catalytic Converter Thieves

SHELTON — The same week Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation cracking down on the sale of stolen catalytic converters, the Shelton School System is coping the theft of five such devices from five buses this week.

According to Connecticut Hearst Media's Shelton Herald Publication, the thefts are believed to have happened between Monday and Tuesday morning this week.

School officials said the situation impacted four bus runs Tuesday and replacement buses were used in their place, according to Hearst.

Catalytic converters, which contain precious metals, are used in vehicles to filter out toxic combustion gases and create less harmful byproducts.

But because they have precious metals like platinum and rhodium, they are often the targets of thieves looking to make a quick buck on the black market.

Tuesday, Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law Public Act 22-43, which enacts several new requirements to how motor vehicle recyclers, scrap metal processors, junk dealers, junkyard owners and operators and motor vehicle repair shops receive and sell catalytic converters.
The measure was approved as part of an effort to crack down on the sale of stolen catalytic converters, according to a release from Lamont's office.

It is specifically focused on deterring criminals at the point-of-sale, according to Lamont's office.

“Cracking down on the theft and vandalism of motor vehicles requires a multifaceted approach, and one of those tactics includes making it more difficult for criminals to profit from the sale of stolen parts,” Lamont said in a statement Tuesday.

“This law also enacts new requirements that will help law enforcement more easily track down who is selling stolen parts and put a stop to their criminal activity. I thank the bipartisan members of the legislature for approving this bill and sending it to my desk so that I could sign it into law today. The easy ability to sell stolen parts is a major reason why motor vehicle theft and vandalism occurs, and this law will help serve as a deterrent.”

Under the legislation signed by Lamont, it will now be illegal for motor vehicle recyclers to receive a vehicle’s catalytic converter unless it is physically attached to a motor vehicle, according to the state.

In addition, recyclers must affix or write a stock number on the part and create a written record of the transaction, including the name, address, telephone number, license number and automobile VIN number of the customer, the governor's office said in a release.

The law takes effect July 1.

For the Connecticut Hearst Media report, visit this link.

For the full text of Gov. Ned Lamont's catalytic converter law, visit this link.