Huntington Beach Offers Catalytic Converter Etching Amid Thefts

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Theft of a particular auto part has increased exponentially in Orange County, prompting Huntington Beach Police to encourage an important preventative measure to deter such larceny — catalytic converter etching.

Residents in Huntington Beach were invited to attend a catalytic converter etching event over the weekend and will likely be holding similar events in the future. Those who were unable to attend the event were urged to have their mechanic etch their license plate numbers into their car's catalytic converter.

In Irvine, city officials recently passed ordinance that increases penalties for those who are found to be in possession of a stolen catalytic converter.

"We want to send a message to those who have an interest in committing these crimes that it's not attractive to do so in Irvine and that it won't be convenient for them for the inconvenience they have caused people who are just minding their own business," said Anthony Kuo, Irvine city council member.

Catalytic converter thefts have increased more than 500 percent from 2020 to 2021, with most thefts taking place between January to October, according to the City of Irvine.

These auto parts are a crucial emissions component of vehicles because they convert 90 percent of harmful emissions safer gases for the environment. But they are a hot commodity for thieves since they contain valuable precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium.

The Huntington Police Department regularly posts updates and notifications for future events