Washoe County Sheriff's Office Announces Catalytic Converter Theft Deterrent Program

Reno NV

09 June, 2022

7:45 AM

Description

Press release from Washoe County Sheriff: June 7, 2022 - 6:54AM PR #: 2022-83 Date Issued: Jun 07, 2022 - 6:54AM Sheriff Balaam is proud to announce the implementation of a new catalytic converter anti-theft program at the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. The intention of this program is to deter and discourage the theft of catalytic converters through community involvement and high visibility recognition of catalytic converters. The program is designed to be a deterrent for would be thieves by marking your valuable property to make it identifiable and less likely to be re-sold for cash. Locally, theft of catalytic converters is on the rise. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office has seen a 270% increase in this type of theft since 2021. While thieves may make a couple of dollars re-selling a stolen catalytic converter, the victims must pay exponentially more. The average financial cost to replace a catalytic converter after it has been stolen from a vehicle is approximately $1,800 on average (depending on the vehicle). In addition, due to reduced supply issues, some replacement catalytic converters are not available. Most stolen catalytic converters from Washoe County go out of state to be turned in for money at metal recycling facilities. This press release was produced by Washoe County Sheriff. The views expressed here are the author's own.