Free Catalytic Converter Engraving Event This Month In Renton

RENTON, WA — A new crime prevention program from Renton Police Department will offer residents the chance to get their catalytic converters engraved to help deter thieves and make it easier to track the devices when they are stolen.

A rise in such thefts has been seen across the region, with cities seeing more thieves targeting the devices for the precious metals they contain and selling them for profit. For vehicle owners, repairs can be costly and run into the thousands.

Several Eastside cities recently formed a task force to track suspected thieves across jurisdictions, which has led to nearly a dozen arrests since late last year. Another facet of the effort is "Project CATCON ID," which offers drivers a free way to get their catalytic converters professionally etched and painted. Renton is the latest city to kick off the program, with the first event scheduled for March 26.

"City mechanics will engrave the last 8 digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the catalytic converter and highlight it with high temperature paint for ease of visibility," the department announced Monday. "A CATCON window sticker will be provided to each registrant upon completion of service. The sticker serves as a warning to potential thieves that their profit margin will suffer if they try to steal the converter attached to that vehicle."

This month's event, hosted in partnership between the police and Renton Public Works Department requires residents to claim their appointments in advance, with priority given to people living within city limits. Officials said time slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis and the location of the event provided after confirmation. Catalytic converters housed inside a shield or cage cannot be engraved at the event.

Residents can sign up and learn more on Renton's official CATCON page, and the city plans to announce more events in the near future.