MCAO, Tempe Police teaming up to combat catalytic converter theft

PHOENIX — The precious metals inside of your car’s catalytic converter make them a prime target for thieves.

While catalytic converter thefts remain on the rise, now there’s something you can do in case yours gets stolen.

On Sunday, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and Tempe Police Department will begin etching drivers’ vehicle identification numbers and license plate numbers into the parts.

“What this will do is if they’re found, then we can trace it back to the person whose car it was taken from,” Interim Maricopa County Attorney Rachell Mitchell said.

“Even if the number is destroyed or scratched off, it’s still indicative that the catalytic converter was stolen versus this being a legitimate deal and so the people can be held accountable.”

Mitchell said catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed in recent years, with 67 being reported stolen in 2019. In 2021, that number has jumped to 4,700.

You can get your converter etched for free this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Midas located at 7710 S. Autoplex Loop in Tempe.

Walk-ins are accepted, but your vehicle must be cool before the etching can be completed.