Catalytic Converter Task Force Targets Eastside Thefts

BELLEVUE, WA — Law enforcement agencies across King County and the Eastside have joined forces to tackle a surge in catalytic converter thefts across the region, officials announced this week. The Bellevue Police Department unveiled the joint effort on Tuesday, which includes police departments in Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Clyde Hill, Medina, and Bothell, along with the King County Sheriff's Office.

Bellevue officials said the task force, which formed in November, is focused on stopping the "skyrocketing" trend in such thefts by sharing resources, case information and other intelligence to cast a regionwide net.

"We have seen exponential growth in catalytic converter thefts across the region and it needs to stop," said Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley. "These thieves are hopping from city to city stealing these converters in a matter of minutes. We'll have a much better chance catching the prolific offenders by combining our investigative resources."

The King County Prosecutor's Office previously flagged a sharp increase in thefts targeting catalytic converters and testified in favor of legislation proposed this year designed to make selling the stolen devices more difficult.

The muffler-like converters are often located in an easily accessible area underneath vehicles and have become increasingly popular targets for the precious metals they contain. The resulting repairs can cost thousands.

Since forming the task force, Bellevue police said the regional approach to build a database and track "bigger fish" has proven effective, with nearly a dozen suspected thieves arrested since November.

The Bellevue Police Department is also launching "Project CATCON ID," which will offer residents a chance to get their catalytic converters etched and painted, making them more uniquely identifiable and a less appealing target to thieves. The first event is scheduled for next week at the Honda Auto Center of Bellevue, and residents can book appointments online.