Above / Naperville Police will partner with Cassidy Tire & Service on theft-deterrent event amid national increase in catalytic converter thefts. (Stock Photo of Catalytic Converter)
The Naperville Police Department is partnering with Cassidy Tire & Service in Naperville to host a catalytic converter theft deterrent event from 9AM to 12PM on Sun., Nov. 13.
During this free “Tat-a-Cat” event for Naperville residents who register, Cassidy employees will use high-temperature automotive exhaust spray paint to paint a unique ID number on vehicles’ catalytic converters. The catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system and contains precious metals such as platinum, rhodium and palladium, which thieves steal to sell illegally for cash. While painting the catalytic converter does not prevent it from being stolen, it can act as a visual theft deterrent.
Note reasons ID number on catalytic converter could help
• It helps police link a recovered catalytic converter to your vehicle, helping to prove its status as stolen and making it easier to hold the thief responsible.
• It helps legitimate shops that purchase/recycle catalytic converters identify that the equipment is possibly stolen, potentially limiting where thieves can sell them.
• It negatively affects the resale value of the part, thus making thieves less interested in cutting them out of a car.
Limited first-come, first-served participation requires registration
This is a free event for Naperville residents. A limited number of vehicles will be able to participate during the 3-hour event. Registration is required at www.naperville.il.us/ASaferNaper and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all available spots are full.
On the date of the event, Nov. 13, participating residents will be required to provide their vehicle registration showing that the vehicle is registered within Naperville. A record of the vehicle will be kept by Naperville Police to assist in the investigation if the catalytic converter is ever stolen.
Cassidy Tire & Service is located at 1580 W. Ogden Avenue.
News submitted by Naperville Police Department Public Information Office.
