The Murrieta, CA, City Council will consider a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing the alarming rise in catalytic converter thefts across the city.
Ordinance No. 606-24 mirrors a similar regulation passed by the Riverside, CA, County Board of Supervisors nearly a year ago, which was designed to address the growing theft issue by establishing clear regulations and penalties.
Catalytic converter theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country. Murrieta reports at least six thefts per month.
The proposed ordinance would make it a misdemeanor to possess a catalytic converter detached from a vehicle without verifiable proof of ownership. This could include a bill of sale, auto body shop documentation, or even email correspondence between the current and previous owners.
Those found in violation could face fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and potentially jail time.
The theft of catalytic converters has become increasingly lucrative due to the precious metals contained within, such as palladium, platinum and rhodium, which can command prices as high as $14,000 per ounce. Thieves often sell the stolen converters to scrap metal dealers for a quick profit.
San Bernardino County and other municipalities have also passed similar regulations, which have been supported by local law enforcement due to a lack of clear state laws addressing catalytic converter theft. The Murrieta City Council is expected to conduct an initial hearing on the ordinance, with a final approval potentially coming in September.
"The theft of catalytic converters has been an increasing problem throughout Southern California in recent years," according to a statement posted to the council agenda.
