Sonora newspaper reports catalytic converter thefts — from its own delivery vans

John Holland
·1 min read

The Union Democrat in Sonora could not deliver Tuesday’s print edition because catalytic converters were stolen off both delivery vans.

The July 5 paper will be delivered with Wednesday’s on rented vans, the newspaper said on its website. It also has made its e-edition free temporarily.

The theft happened at the Marysville plant that handles printing for the Union Democrat. Thieves are going after precious metals in such cases, but they disable the emission controls in the process.

The Union Democrat has print editions every weekday, except for holidays such as the Fourth of July. Tuesday’s paper has coverage of Columbia’s popular Independence Day celebration, as well as the Mother Lode Fair, which ended Sunday.

Catalytic converters are near the mufflers on the underside of vehicles. The Modesto Police Department offered tips against theft in a Facebook post from March 2020:

  • Park in a well-lighted area or in a garage, if possible.

  • Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) etched onto your converter.

  • If your converter is a bolt-on model, have the bolts welded tight or have extra metal welded to the exhaust system.

  • Install a protection device that clamps around the converter.

“Keep in mind, those that are stealing catalytic converters are likely driving trucks and work in pairs,” the post said. “If you see suspicious vehicles or notice trucks with large amounts of scrap metal or car parts in the truck bed loitering in your neighborhood, report it immediately by calling the non-emergency number at ‪209-552-2470‬.”

Newman residents got the VIN etching for free at a May 14 event. City police had help from agricultural mechanics students at Orestimba High School.