BPD, Auto Shops Come Together To Reduce Thefts

By Justin Muszynski, The Bristol Press

July 11, 2022

Local police are partnering with a Bristol auto repair shop to help deter criminals after a rise in catalytic converter thefts has become a problem in recent years.

This Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents can have their vehicle identification number – commonly abbreviated to VIN – etched into their catalytic converter for no charge at Midas in Bristol, located at 33 Farmington Ave.

Bristol police Lt. Robert Osborne said etching a VIN into a catalytic converter – which contains precious metals that are often scrapped after being stolen – serves as a deterrent for thieves looking to make quick money. It also, the lieutenant said, makes it easier for law enforcement to trace converters that have been stolen, leading to more convictions.

Osborne said the event is being held after Midas reached out to police and indicated that it had recently purchased an etcher. It should only take about 10 minutes for the VIN to be etched into the catalytic converter, the lieutenant added.

Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise all over, and not just in Bristol, for at least the past year, Osborne said. Having spent years and years on the force, he said this is the first time authorities have seen this type of issue this bad.

“It’s all over,” he said.

The lieutenant added that the thefts are very hard to prevent, as they have been reported in residential driveways, apartment complex parking lots, business parking lots after hours and even cars that are parked in the road.

To help cut down on these types of thefts, a new law in Connecticut prevents scrap metal yards from taking a catalytic converter that isn’t attached to a vehicle, unless a number of criteria are met.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s office in May, in order for scrap yards to take a converter that is not attached to a vehicle, it must keep a record of the transaction, including a description of the seller, his or her name, address and driver’s license number, the license plate number for the vehicle that was used to transport the catalytic converter and a photo or video of the seller and their driver’s license.

Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@bristolpress.com.