Auto Theft Investigators Use New Tool to Deter Catalytic Converter Thieves
(From a press release)
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office Auto Theft Unit and our auto theft prevention partners is holding a catalytic converter etching event, being held on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Thompson Toyota in Doylestown.
During this event, auto theft investigators will place and permanently etch a unique serial code number on the catalytic converters of dozens of vehicles. The serial code will then be entered into a database, which will allow law enforcement to trace the converter if it is stolen and later recovered.
A similar event was held last year, and introduced this unique tool to deter catalytic converter thefts to the region.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office Auto Theft Unit will be joined at this event by their partners in auto theft prevention: the Pennsylvania Auto Crime Investigators Association (PACIA), the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Pennsylvania State Police, the Attorney General’s Office and representatives from multiple insurance companies.
The theft of catalytic converters is a serious matter to law enforcement.
Earlier this year, the District Attorney’s office announced the dismantling of a multi-million-dollar organized criminal enterprise that specialized in the theft of catalytic converters throughout the Delaware Valley region.
The nearly yearlong investigation, led by the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, resulted in the charging of a Philadelphia tow yard, along with 10 adult individuals and one juvenile. Three dozen local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies assisted in this incredible case.
The Nov. 18 catalytic converter etching event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thompson Toyota is located at 122 W. Swamp Road, Doylestown, Pa. For an appointment call Chris Liebel (267) 898-2790.
The Catalytic Converter Theft Hotline: 215-340-8899