New Bill To Combat Catalytic Converter Thefts In Monroe County Passes Legislation

To help combat the recent uptick in catalytic converter thefts a new bill has passed for Monroe County. The new bill adds to the legislation that was passed back in 2013 that helped then to lower thefts of converters.

The new law that was passed Tuesday includes the following to help combat theft:

• Mandates cash payouts of scrapped catalytic converters are not disbursed until 14 days after the converter is delivered to a scrap yard.
• Require scrap businesses to obtain copies of a valid driver’s license or other government-issued ID from individuals scrapping catalytic converters.
• Requires scrap businesses to obtain copies of documentation proving ownership of any vehicle that has a catalytic converter scrapped, such as registration or vehicle title.
• Requires any auto-body or mechanics shops to provide documentation that any catalytic converter being scrapped is from a vehicle that was serviced by that business, such as a copy of a receipt for work done.
• Mandates scrap businesses keep the records of scrapped catalytic converters for no less than 3 years for law enforcement to follow up on investigations into stolen converters.
• Increases fines and penalties for those caught and found guilty of committing a catalytic converter theft.

Source: WHEC.com