Stolen Catalytic Converters On Lake Forest Council Agenda

LAKE FOREST, CA — Having a stolen catalytic converter in Lake Forest may become a criminal offense, according to a proposed city ordinance.

A proposed ordinance being considered by the City Council Tuesday night would make it illegal to own a stolen catalytic converter in Lake Forest.

If approved, someone in possession of a catalytic converter not attached to a car would need to show proof that they legally own it, according to a city staff report. The valid proof would include a bill of sale from the converter's original owner and documentation from an autobody shop proving the converter was legally removed and sold.

Owning an illegal catalytic converter would be treated as a misdemeanor, the report said.

There's currently no law federal, state or local law requiring someone to show proof they own a detached catalytic converter, according to city officials.

"This limits law enforcement's ability to protect the public by preventing catalytic converter thefts and seizing suspected stolen catalytic converters when there is identifiable victim present," officials said.

Thieves target the auto part as it contains precious metals like gold, palladium and platinum. Catalytic converters from hybrid vehicles are frequently targeted as they have higher concentrations of the metals, officials said.

A stolen converter can fetch between $150 and $250 at a scrapyard. However, the cost for a motorist to replace the stolen part can be upwards of $2,500.

The City Council will meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Lake Forest City Hall is at 100 Civic Center Drive.