Indiana Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Prevent Catalytic Converter Thefts

Indiana Rep. Jim Baird has introduced a bill to reduce catalytic converter thefts by marking identifying information on catalytic converters, addressing how the parts are purchased, and strengthening enforceability of catalytic converter theft for local law enforcement officers, his office announced.

The bill, Preventing Auto Recycling Thefts (PART) Act, comes in response to a rise in reported catalytic converter thefts. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the number of catalytic converter thefts reported in claims to insurance companies jumped from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020.

Catalytic converters are car parts used to reduce the potency of toxic emissions from an internal combustion engine and is a component required in compliance with the Clean Air Act, a news release from Baird’s office said. These parts are constructed using precious metals such as rhodium, platinum, and palladium, and, depending on the price point for these metals, can be sold to scrap dealers for hundreds of dollars. Replacement of these parts can be costly for vehicle owners, with many replacements ranging from $500 to $2,300.

“In West Central Indiana and across the country, catalytic converter theft has had a dramatic impact on vehicle and business owners, leading them to await costly repairs with few tools to prevent similar crimes in the future,” said Baird in a news release. “By closing long-exploited loopholes and strengthening law enforcement’s ability to locate stolen parts and enforce the law, we can create a safer environment for vehicle owners and put a stop to these crimes once and for all.”

The bill is supported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

“Car thefts and other auto crimes like catalytic converter thefts have risen dramatically over the past two years and are at record highs,” said David Glawe, President and CEO of NICB. “Vehicle owners pay a high price when a thief targets their catalytic converter, often incurring lost income from missing work, needing to find and pay for alternate transportation and then paying anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to get the vehicle fixed. This bill is a critical step in helping bring relief to the people most directly impacted by these crimes.”

Topics Fraud Legislation