Citrus Heights Police Teams with Local Business to Offer Free Catalytic Converter IDs

A Citrus Heights auto service is teaming up with the Citrus Heights Police Department in a program hoping to reduce the theft of catalytic converters.

CHPD is partnering with Scott’s Econo Lube N’ Tune in a program that will engrave Citrus Heights vehicles' lisence plates on the converters. 

"This catalytic converter theft issue continues to be a problem in our community," CHPD Sgt. Eric Mattke said. "We've had about 11 in the last month, approximately. We're trying to make vehicles in our community a harder target."

Citrus Heights police motor officers will be on site, providing the man hours to engrave vehicles' license plate number onto the catalytic converter, Mattke said. The offer is free of charge for Citrus Heights residents.

"We're trying to build relationships with our community," Mattke said. "It will give them a chance to talk about traffic safety."

Stories of catalytic converter thefts have become more prevelant in recent years, with news of pick-ups and SUV’s being common targets. These vehicles are targeted as they normally sit higher off the ground, making it easier for thieves to slide under the vehicle and remove the converter from the exhaust system, according to CHPD.

Etching identifying numbers on the catalytic converters can impact these thefts. Other methods include installing locking devices on or around the catalytic converter.

Where: Scott’s Econo Lube N’ Tune, 8013 Arcadia Drive
When: Saturday, Feb. 9; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Info: Sgt. Eric Mattke, CHPD 916-727-5573