Catalytic Converter Ordinance
Consideration of new Ordinance
May 17, 2022
RBMC Title 3, Chapter 15
Catalytic Converter Ordinance
• Increase in 2018-2019
• In 2020, RBPD took 108
catalytic converters theft
reports.
• By the end of 2021 average of
over 15 Catalytic Converters
stolen per month.
• In 2022 through the end of April
66 catalytic converters have
been reported stolen.
Catalytic Converter Thefts by Quarter
3 25
38 42
57 45
50 37
0 10
20 30
40 50
60 Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec
2020 2021
Catalytic Converter Ordinance
• Catalytic converters are stolen
for the precious metals they
contain.
• Platinum - $1,100 an ounce
• Palladium - $2,400 an ounce
• Rhodium - $18,000 an ounce
(peaked at $26,000 an ounce in 2021)
• Increased replacement cost.
Catalytic Converter Ordinance
• RBPD increased enforcement
• Etching events
• Public Awareness
• Directed Enforcement Details
Catalytic Converter Ordinance
• Arrests have been made and
found a location where they are
sold.
• Unable to prosecute without an
identifiable victim.
• Not illegal to posses multiple
catalytic converters.
• Majority of catalytic converter
cases have gone unsolved.
Catalytic Converter Ordinance
• RBMC Title 3, Chapter 15 - Unlawful Possession of a Catalytic Converter
• Each and every violation of this section may in the discretion of the City Attorney be prosecuted as a misdemeanor and upon conviction be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than 12 months, or both.
Catalytic Converter Ordinance
Recommended Action
• Introduce for first reading the Catalytic Converter Ordinance creating a section that makes it unlawful to possess any catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle unless the possessor has valid documentation or other proof to verify they are in lawful possession of the catalytic converter.