Monrovia PD Hosting Catalytic Converter Etching Event Saturday

MONROVIA, CA — The Monrovia Police Department is inviting the public to take park in a catalytic converter "etch & catch" event this Saturday to help curb a rise in thefts of the auto part.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ward Service Auto Part and is free for residents of Monrovia. Advanced registration is required for the event, police said.

Residents can visit the Eventbrite page to register for the etching.

Mechanics will etch a car's catalytic converter with a unique identification number. That number is used to link the part back to its original owner if it ever gets stolen and then recovered by police.

Thieves target the part because it contains precious metals such as gold and platinum. Converters from hybrid vehicles are typically targeted as they have a high concentration of metals, officials said. A stolen converter can be sold for between $150 and $250 at a scrapyard.

However, replacing the stolen part could cost a motorist upwards of $2,500.