By SDCN Editor
Oceanside, CA–The Oceanside Police Department, along with MagnaFlow will host a free catalytic converter etching event for Oceanside residents on July 23.
The free service will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MagnaFlow, located at 3937 Ocean Ranch Boulevard in Oceanside.
The event is a part of a multifaceted strategy that the Oceanside Police Department has implemented to address the uptick in catalytic converter thefts occurring nationwide.
Catalytic converters are vehicle parts that contain valuable platinum group metals like rhodium, iridium, and palladium. The increase in these thefts coincides with the increase in the cost of these precious metals and the increase in demand for catalytic converters due to increasing vehicle emission regulation. Criminals can steal catalytic converters in moments, using tools found at hardware stores, leaving car owners with costly parts to replace and repair.
Matching a stolen catalytic converter to the vehicle it was stolen from, is an important step in the pursuit of a criminal case against the thieves. Police are urging car owners to engrave their vehicle’s identification number on their converter to link the part to their vehicle. The engraving can also alert buyers to stolen parts. Participating in a catalytic converter etching event is a proactive measure residents can take to assist law enforcement in combating this crime trend.
All participants will have their catalytic converters etched with an identifying number. This etching will provide law enforcement with valuable information should it be stolen and later located by law enforcement personnel during subsequent investigations. Oceanside Police personnel will be available throughout the day to provide valuable tips to help keep your vehicle safe.
Registration is required at Oceanside Police Department Catalytic Converter Etch & Catch Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
