Richardson Police Chief Gary Tittle gave a presentation to the City Council Monday outlining a possible new ordinance that would provide officers with an additional tool in fighting the pervasive crime of catalytic converter theft. The ordinance would make it illegal to possess a used, cut or un-bolted catalytic converter that has been removed from a motor vehicle (unless the person in possession provides proof of ownership of the vehicle or provides proof that the item was legally passed to them). Under current laws, Richardson officers may arrest suspects caught in the act of theft or those found selling or purchasing stolen catalytic converters.
Catalytic converters thefts are on the rise nationally, from 3,389 in 2019 to 65,400 in 2021, a 1,215 percent increase. In Richardson, 331 catalytic converter thefts were reported in 2021 with seven arrests, and the number of reported catalytic converter thefts for 2022 year-to-date is 374, with four arrests. The crimes often take place quickly utilizing cordless cutting tools, at any time day or night and at locations all over the city, according to Chief Tittle, from private residential driveways to parking lots to city streets. The converters are valued for the precious metals they contain.
Video: Sept. 26 presentation
