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May 27, 2023

Dr. Ralph’s hosts free CAT Converter ID installation

Dr. Ralph’s Automotive Services Center recently hosted free installation of

Dr. Ralph's Automotive Services Center recently hosted free installation of catalytic converter theft prevention marking kits. The CAT converter theft prevention initiative is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Automobile Theft Prevention Authority and endorsed by the Philadelphia Police Department.

During the event, several dozen car owners took advantage of the service where a heat resistant individually numbered TESA security label would be put directly on the CAT converter. This process would create a permanent visible etching on the metal surface of the CAT assembly. A unique ID code would then be logged into a centralized database that could be easily accessed in the event of a theft.

Officers Steve Nathan and Joe Bird do a bit of hijinks between ID kit installations.

Dr. Ralph's has been serving our community with quality service for decades.

Nat. Insurance Crime Bureau agent Al Quintile catches up with Andorra resident Ray Delaney.

What a CAT Converter Theft Protection Marking ID label looks like on a vehicle.

With the theft of CAT converters on the rise throughout our country, it is hoped that the permanent marking would be less attractive to thieves and more difficult to sell on the black market. Stolen marked CATs can be quickly identified by police and scrap metal dealers which should act as a deterrent for would-be thieves. Newer car models have the system already installed.

Members of the 5th District, including Captain James Kimrey and Community Relations Officer Damian Caggiano, were on hand to help facilitate the process with car owners who registered for the event. Former Roxborough resident Al Quintile, who is an agent for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, was also front and center greeting arrivals and overseeing the process.

Officers Steve Nathan and Joe Bird from the Police Dept. Major Crimes Auto Squad were busy in the pits installing the marking labels in a quick and efficient manner so that car owners could be in and out in no time.

Agents from the Pa. Auto Theft Prevention Authority pitched in at the registration table to enable smooth sailing for arrivals and explain the process of entering the database.

Franco Sposato, co-owner of the business with founder Ralph, had his sleeves rolled up and lent his expertise for the marking operation. Ralph Sposato, a former auto shop teacher at Rox High, started the enterprise back in 1976. Since then, the multi-pronged auto service has become synonymous with quality auto repair and superior maintenance upkeep in the Roxborough area.

All photos by Rick Cawley for the Roxborough Review.

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