Frightened about your catalytic converter getting stolen? Los Angeles police have new know-how to fight that

Responding to a surge of catalytic converter thefts, the Los Angeles Police Division has unveiled new know-how that can make it more durable for thieves to steal the precious emission management machine.

The Los Angeles police have already held occasions for folks to have their automobiles’ car identification numbers etched by hand onto their catalytic converters to make it simpler to trace the automobile components in the event that they get stolen.

Now, the division is introducing a brand new Insta-Etch marking machine that can engrave all the digits robotically by means of a high-temperature spray paint, in accordance with an LAPD information launch. The machine was obtained by way of grant funds, is hand-held, transportable and Bluetooth-enabled.

The brand new machine was launched at a press occasion final week and the LAPD plans to carry month-to-month etching occasions sooner or later to permit the general public entry to the know-how, in accordance with LAPD Capt. Gary Walters. The service is free to the general public.

The division is attempting to discover extra funding to extend entry to the units, in accordance with ABC7.

Templates that learn “Marked by LAPD” may also be emblazoned on the automobile components to discourage catalytic converter theft. At a information convention final week, LAPD additionally highlighted a number of anti-theft units, together with catalytic cable shields and cages, and automobile alarms.

Residents and enterprise homeowners can name (323) 561-3259 to e-book an appointment.

Police Chief Michel Moore stated earlier this yr that there was a “stark enhance” in catalytic converter thefts in Los Angeles in 2023, with 406 extra reported incidents within the first 5 weeks of 2023 in contrast with that very same time interval in 2022.

Vehicles with catalytic converters are focused by thieves due to the half’s excessive focus of treasured metals.