David Richie reports in today's Citrus Heights regional edition on a "branding" strategy to deter catalytic converter thefts:
A thief can pull the catalytic converter (left photo) off a pickup or a sport-utility vehicle in 90 seconds.
Citrus Heights police have a strategy that takes a few minutes longer but may save residents a $500 to $1,000 repair bill.
On Oct. 11, police will team up with merchants to present "Operation Branding Iron."
During the event, students from San Juan High School will etch vehicle license plate numbers on catalytic converters that generally lack identifying marks. The catalytic converters also will be marked with a bright, heat-resistant paint.
Operation Branding Iron will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Les Schwab Tire Center, 8001 Greenback Lane, across from Sunrise Mall. To avoid delays, police officials recommend that interested residents make a reservation by calling (916) 727-5524 or (916) 727-5829.
The free program is available to anyone who lives, works or visits in Citrus Heights.
"It's a regional problem," Police Detective Mike Alway said. "That is why we want to open this up."
Toyota trucks and SUVs are especially attractive to thieves because, in many cases, their catalytic converters are bolted on instead of welded in place. But any vehicle with enough room for the thief to crawl underneath may be targeted.
"In Citrus Heights we are seeing about eight to 10 thefts per month, usually in residential areas. Most of them are occurring at night, and they are all whodunits," Alway said.
Click here for Richie's complete story.
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