Everett offers way to protect your catalytic converter
Everett offers program in hopes of reducing catalytic converter theft
The program allows drivers to engrave their car’s vehicle identification number directly onto the catalytic converter and highlight it with bright paint.
Everett, wash. – The city of Everett wants to protect your car’s catalytic converter with a new program that it hopes will help identify stolen devices and potentially deter crime altogether.
A catalytic converter is the metal device under your car that cleans the exhaust fumes leaving your vehicle, but lately it has become a target for thieves.
Crooks get so good that they can steal the catalyst in minutes or even seconds, costing you thousands of dollars.
“I felt very bullied. I was very frustrated,” said Claudia McClain.
McClain said someone stole her catalytic converter right before her eyes, she just didn’t realize it. A few months ago, McClain said she was in her office, which was a few yards from her parking lot.
She said someone slipped into the parking lot unnoticed, stole her catalytic converter, and escaped. She didn’t realize it until she got in her car to drive home after work.
“I turned on the ignition and I heard this horrible sound,” she said.
It cost McClain $2,200 to fix the problem, she said.
The most ironic part of the situation is that McClain is the founder of McClain Insurance Services. She said she gets calls from her clients every few weeks dealing with the same problem.
CONNECTED: Tacoma Police: 75% of catalytic converter thefts this year are from hybrid cars
McClain said these thefts are on the rise, and the Everett Police Department agrees.
For this reason they created the CATCON ID project. The program allows drivers to engrave their car’s vehicle identification number directly onto the catalytic converter and highlight it with bright paint.
This way, if your catalyst is stolen, there is a better chance that the police can identify and retrieve it. Police also hope these efforts will deter criminals from even targeting your converter.
“I feel like with so much focus from both the community and the police, we have a better chance of having some success,” McClain said.
McClain said she plans to attend the event and encourages her clients to do the same.
The next Project CATCON ID will be held this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sno-Isle TECH at 9001 Airport Road in Everett.
More information can be found here.
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