In a push to put a dent in the rampant catalytic converter thefts plaguing vehicle owners, the Minnesota Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau has carved out a new path of resistance. Minnesotans can now arm their automobiles with CATGUARD marking kits, designed to mark converters with a unique serial number, linking the prized car part back to its rightful owner in the event of theft. "We know this is not a solution but another tool to help deter converter thefts," the department indicated in a recent announcement.
The Coon Rapids Police Department is swiftly moving to distribute these kits, offering them up from their precinct’s lobby. The kits, which are seen as a part of a multifaceted approach to combat thefts, are readily available during business hours, giving residents a chance to easily pick them up. While this proactive measure will undoubtedly aid law enforcement, it isn't to completely eliminate the threat of theft so much as to complicate the thieves' ability to sell stolen converters undetected.
Vehicle owners looking to mark their catalytic converters should bring along their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), easily found in the lower driver's side of their windshield. The Coon Rapids Police Department has made a point to highlight the vehicles that find themselves most frequently targeted by thiefs: from workhorse models like the Chevrolet Express and Ford Econoline to the family standbys like the Honda Odyssey and the eco-friendly Toyota Prius. A comprehensive list of at-risk vehicles has been shared to ensure those most affected are aware and can take necessary precautions.
Authorities are hoping that the ability to now track a converter back to a victim will act to dissuade the rising number of daylight robberies committed by catalytic converter thieves. Drivers, particularly of the listed at-risk models, are encouraged to visit the police department and make use of this latest tool to hopefully safeguard their properties. No doubt, those with the vulnerable vehicles will find it a welcome, albeit small, relief in the ongoing fight against this form of property crime.
