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Jul 01, 2023

Catalytic converters: SF plans to use IDs, SFPD logos to stop thefts

Todd Goulding of Alouis Auto Radiator in San Francisco points out where the

Todd Goulding of Alouis Auto Radiator in San Francisco points out where the catalytic converter of a Honda Accord was cut off during a theft attempt. A San Francisco supervisor launched a program that aims to add an extra layer of protection for drivers worried about their catalytic converters getting stolen.

UPDATE: S.F. residents flock to put police logos and IDs on catalytic converters

San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio has announced a program that aims to add an extra layer of protection for drivers worried about their catalytic converters getting stolen.

Engardio, who represents the Sunset District, the part of San Francisco where he said the most catalytic converters are stolen, unveiled a plan on Monday to etch vehicle identification numbers on the often-stolen devices and slap a painted San Francisco Police Department logo on them as well.

His hope is that the precautionary measures will help deter thieves. The devices, part of a gas-fueled car's emissions system, contain valuable metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium that can be resold for hundreds of dollars.

Adept thieves have been known to be able to slip beneath a car and remove the catalytic converter in under two minutes. Replacing the device can cost $3,000 or more and take months due to high demand and supply chain problems.

Even legislative efforts to make it tougher for thieves to resell the stolen devices have so far failed to slow the thefts. Some frustrated people have taken to confronting thieves and been shot.

Engardio has partnered with Sunset Auto Care and the San Francisco Police Department for the program, which will take place on June 2, though the supervisor expects to add more auto shops and dates. All residents of the city will be eligible to participate, he said.

To sign up for the program, residents can make a reservation between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. by signing up online. Forms are available in English and Chinese.

Engardio's announcement on Twitter was, predictably, met mostly with skepticism and snide responses, some suggesting that the measures won't deter thieves and that the police should simply enforce the law.

Engardio said he's working to increase policing, particularly in the Sunset, which has just four officers covering the area at night. But finding funding and recruiting and training officers takes time.

"People want more prosecution and more police," he told The Chronicle. "And I want that, too. But in the meantime, we need to do whatever we can."

Reach Michael Cabanatuan: [email protected]; Twitter: @ctuan