Catalytic Converter Thefts Targeted In Lower Bucks County

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — It's one of the top crimes to creep into the Philadelphia region over the past five years.

Catalytic converter thefts were the hot crime in Bucks County and other communities about three years ago. But while the crimes have cooled down a little bit here, a Bucks County legislator is trying to make sure their popularity for criminals doesn't return.

Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Frank Farry was recently unanimously approved by the Senate to help curb the surge in catalytic converter thefts across Pennsylvania. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Farry's bill — Senate Bill 914 — repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code.

Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials, and create penalties.

Farry said the bill will give law enforcement and prosecutors stronger tools to investigate, track, and prosecute catalytic converter thefts.

“Catalytic converter thefts have become a major problem in communities across the state," Farry said. “One of my top priorities is keeping our communities safe, and this bill gives law enforcement and prosecutors stronger tools to charge and convict those responsible for these crimes.”

Catalytic converter thefts are when a part of a vehicle's exhaust system containing precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium is removed.

Thieves target these parts for their high resale value, and the theft is often quick and easy to perform with basic tools, making it a common crime.

Authorities recommend parking vehicles in secure areas, installing a protective device, or having the VIN number engraved on the converter.

Farry's bill is a part of the Bucks County senator's broader crime prevention package.

Two of the bills in that package have already been signed into law:

• Act 41 of 2023 — Established penalties for theft of mail and packages, including enhanced grading for repeat offenders.
• Act 103 of 2024 — Increased fines and penalties for illegal street racing and allows vehicle seizure for repeat offenders.

Farry is also advancing several other measures to improve public safety, including legislation to increase penalties for gun store robberies, hold rioters and organizers accountable, add protections for delivery drivers, enforce mandatory jail time for felons illegally possessing firearms, and expand the use of DNA in the criminal justice system.