San Carlos Jiffy Lube Hosts Catalytic Converter Event

SAN CARLOS, CA — A Jiffy Lube in San Carlos hosted an “Etch and Catch” event on Wednesday to help mitigate catalytic converter thefts.

Thefts of catalytic converters — anti-pollution devices located under vehicles that contain valuable metals — have been on the rise in San Mateo County and surrounding communities, according to a news release by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department.

“People are just trying to make ends meet and suddenly they have an unexpected, expensive repair bill to replace their stolen catalytic converter,” said San Mateo County Sheriff Carlos G. Bolanos.

During the event, Jiffy Lube inscribed participants’ vehicle license plate number onto their car as a way to deter potential theft. The sheriff’s office said the event was an “absolute success” and plans to host future events.

Anyone who owns or manages a vehicle repair facility in San Mateo County and would like to participate in the “Etch and Catch” program is asked to contact Sergeant Andy Hui at ahui@smcgov.org.