Union County launches free catalytic converter etching program to combat theft
To deter catalytic converter thefts and aid in the recovery of those stolen, a free catalytic converter etching program will be offered at six locations throughout Union County later this month.
The program will be offered 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 20 at Autoland, 170 Route 22, Springfield; Westfield Department of Public Works, 959 W. North Ave., Westfield; Rahway Department of Public Works, 999 Hart St., Rahway; Union Police Department Headquarters, 981 Caldwell Ave., Union; Home Town Tire & Auto, 416 E. Elizabeth Ave., Linden and Wave Car Wash, 178 Terrill Road, Plainfield.
Aimed at combating the recent rise on catalytic converter thefts, the program is being offered by the Union County Municipal Task Force, an initiative by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the Union County Police Chiefs Association and in partnership with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), local municipalities, law enforcement agencies and businesses.
"Catalytic converter thefts have become a serious issue in our communities, causing significantfinancial hardship for victims," said Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel in a statement. "This program is a proactive measure to combat this trend and protect our residents. By uniquelymarking each converter, we make them less attractive to thieves and significantly increase thechances of their recovery."
Catalytic converters, which resemble a metal hot water bottle, are found in the car’s underbody as part of the exhaust system.
Catalytic converters, which play a vital role in combating air pollution, contain precious metals like rhodium, palladium and platinum. Each converter contains several grams of each metal which are sold to scrap yards.
The converters can be clipped off a car in minutes. Many thefts occur in the overnight hours while vehicle owners are asleep.
More: Catalytic converter thieves in NJ target this vehicle make, police say
At each location, trained professionals will use a high-tech etching process to permanentlymark each catalytic converter with an identification code and high visibility spray paint.The markings allow the catalytic converters to be easily traced back to the vehicle, as well asmaking it much more difficult for thieves to sell or dispose of stolen converters.
The program is free and open to all Union County residents. Appointments are required and canbe made online. Law enforcement officers will be on site to answer questions and provide additional information about catalytic converter theft prevention.
"We are committed to working with our partners and the community to address this issuehead-on," said Union County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Harvey Barnwell in a statement. "By taking these preventive measures and participating in the etching program, we can send a strong message to thieves that Union County is not an easy target."
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Union County NJ cracking down on catalytic converter theft
