By Mike Hazlip—
In an effort to combat a surge in thefts from vehicles, the Citrus Heights Police Department has announced a free catalytic converter etching event this weekend at a local auto repair shop.
The event is scheduled to take place at Duncan’s Automotive on Saturday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to the announcement. No appointment is needed for the free service.
Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise, according to police. Having a vehicle’s license plate etched into the catalytic converter is a deterrent to thieves. It also gives police a way to trace evidence and prove that a suspect is in possession of stolen converters.
A March report by The Sentinel showed a 486% increase in catalytic converter thefts last year in Citrus Heights. Catalytic converters are a valuable part of a vehicle’s exhaust system that help reduce emissions. Police say thieves will steal the part and sell the raw material inside as scrap.
Citrus Heights Police Chief Ron Lawrence earlier this year described the theft of catalytic converters as “a rash” in the region and across the state, particularly in the Bay Area. He said Citrus Heights police have “been working very closely with our allied partners on combating this.”
A prior etching event was held last year at Pastor’s Auto Care in partnership with the Police Department.
Duncan’s Automotive is located at 7633 Auburn Blvd., Suite 3, in Citrus Heights. For more on the upcoming event, click here.
