More than 100 catalytic converters engraved in Chula Vista to obstruct theft

The Chula Vista Police Department helped scores of drivers on Saturday obstruct thefts of their vehicles’ catalytic converter.

At the free “Engrave and Save” event, more than 100 people took their cars to the city’s Public Works Automotive Department to get their vehicles' identification number (or VIN) engraved onto the car part — an emissions device often stolen.

The goal of these community events, which several other San Diego County cities have also hosted, is to discourage thieves from stealing the converters in the first place. But if a crime does occur, the etching makes it easier for law enforcement to track the part.

“We etch or engrave the VIN and paint it with high visibility orange or yellow paint to act as a deterrent,” said Sgt. Scott Hall “So, if a suspect goes underneath a vehicle they’ll see the paint (and know the part can be traced back to the car).”

Catalytic converters, which experienced thieves can remove with basic tools, fetch hundreds of dollars from scrapyards and recycling companies for the rare metals they contain, according to the state's Department of Consumer Affairs.

According to October 2023 data from State Farm, California has consistently had the highest number of catalytic converter thefts despite decreasing rates nationwide.

Across the country, about 14,500 converter theft claims were filed between January and June 2023, a decrease from the 23,000 filed the previous year. In California, which has the most registered vehicles, more than 5,400 claims were filed in that time period.

So far this year, about 200 converter thefts have been reported to Chula Vista police, said Hall.

The department funded the event with a $3 million state grant it received to help curb retail and vehicle theft. The agency used most of its funding to purchase 150 automated license plate readers to combat vehicle theft. It also hired a new detective and purchased five vehicles for detectives, Hall added.

This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune .