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1 RiversideCA.gov
1 RiversideCA.gov
PROPOSAL TO ADD RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 9.29 – UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
Riverside Police Department
Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee
September 18, 2024
RiversideCA.gov
2 • Catalytic converter theft has increased significantly across the nation. • Catalytic converter theft is popular because:
– Value of precious metals contained in it
– The ease of removing the catalytic converter from a vehicle – The ease of selling the item to scrap metal dealers for cash • No serial numbers required for catalytic converters on vehicles sold prior to January 1, 2024
• Enforcement action may not be taken because Officer cannot prove item was stolen
BACKGROUND
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3 • Current state law allows an individual to posses less than 9 catalytic converters without requiring proof of ownership • If an officer makes contact with an individual possessing less than 9 catalytic converters but cannot identify a
specific victim, then the officer may have to release the individual along with the catalytic converter(s)
• Proposed Ordinance will provide an additional tool to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and promote a more productive use of law enforcement resources
NEED FOR MUNICIPAL CODE
RiversideCA.gov
4 • Proposed ordinance will:
– Establish a zero-tolerance policy for catalytic converter theft – Establish sanctions for possessing stolen catalytic converters – Prevent offenders from profiting from the sale of catalytic converters
– Prevent recycling centers from purchasing unlawfully obtained catalytic converters
– Provide indirect justice to the victims of catalytic converter theft – Minimize the fiscal and personnel impact in deterring and investigating catalytic converter thefts
NEED FOR MUNICIPAL CODE
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5 • Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 9.29 – Unlawful
Possession of Catalytic Converters
– Unlawful for any person to possess any catalytic converter which is not properly installed in a vehicle unless the person has proof verifying they are in lawful possession – Unlawful for any person to knowingly falsify or cause to be falsified any information in any documentation or other proof intended to show valid proof of ownership
See Exhibit A (Full Code)
RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE
RiversideCA.gov
6 Strategic Priority 2
Community Well-Being
Goal 2.4
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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4 RiversideCA.gov
7 That the Safety, Wellness & Youth Committee recommend that the City Council approve the addition of Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 9.29 prohibiting the unlawful
possession of catalytic converters in the City of Riverside.
RECOMMENDATION
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