St. Louis Park residents tired of losing their catalytic converters to thieves might just get a break. The local police and public works departments have teamed up to combat this surge in thefts by etching and painting vehicle parts that are often targeted. This free service will take place on May 2 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, giving locals a chance to safeguard their vehicles.
Those interested in participating will need to act fast. An event interest form has to be completed, open from 10 a.m. on April 11 until 4 p.m. the following day. Marking the dates on their calendar, 72 lucky residents will be picked from a lottery to join the event. Chosen participants will be notified via email on April 16 and will be able to select a time slot to get their vehicles marked.
According to the city's announcement, "Each participant will receive a window sticker stating the car has a marked catalytic converter." This visual deterrent is aimed at making marked vehicles less enticing to would-be thieves prowling the streets for quick loot. No walk-ins will be allowed at the event, so registration is key.
The signup page will go live on April 11 on the city's Things to Do page. Residents unlucky in the draw are encouraged not to give up; future marking events will be announced, aiming to keep up the fight against catalytic converter theft.
