Oct. 24, 2022—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is targeting catalytic converter theft.
According to The Record, the governor has signed legislation that puts restrictions on the purchase, possession and sale of catalytic converters by scrap processors and vehicle dismantlers. Hochul cited public safety as a motivating factor for taking initiative against catalytic converter theft.
Hochul has signed legislation that requires vehicle dismantlers to maintain records of catalytic converters. They have to report the number of catalytic converters they have received every 60 days. If they don't, they could wind up with a Class A misdemeanor. New motor vehicle dealers are required to stock etching kits in order to etch serial numbers onto catalytic converters.
The Record reported there have been 5,548 catalytic converter thefts in New York City since Aug. 14, 2022. Comparatively, this data sat at 1,505 thefts in that time period during 2021.
In addition, Hochul said that $20 million has been made available for police departments and sheriff's offices. This is to help them invest in technology for crime prevention. These local departments can submit feedback to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services about what types of technology would be beneficial to them through Nov. 18, 2022.
