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Oct 17, 2023

Upland City Council takes steps to curb catalytic converter theft

Upland city leaders have approved a two-part ordinance meant to deter catalytic

Upland city leaders have approved a two-part ordinance meant to deter catalytic converter thefts, which law enforcement officials say have been a growing problem nationally.

On Monday, Feb. 27, the City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that requires proof of ownership for catalytic converters and allows the city to revoke business licenses for businesses found in possession of stolen catalytic converters.

Catalytic converter theft has increased 400% nationwide since 2019, according to a report from State Farm, and can cost families between $1,000 to $3,000 to replace.

In October 2022, State Farm reported 23,000 catalytic converter theft claims in the first half of the year with two out 10 claims coming from California.

The rise in such thefts has been connected to supply chain issues and an increase in the price of the rare metals found in the catalytic converters, including platinum and palladium, making them popular at recycling plants, according to a report from The National Insurance Crime Bureau.

With the new city ordinances, individuals found with an undocumented catalytic converter will face a city misdemeanor and $1,000 fine.

Businesses found with the illegal auto part could face revocation of their business license for up to 90 days for a first offense and permanently after a third offense.

"At least it will allow us to do something about what has become a more prevalent problem," City Manager Michael Blay said.

The city's ordinances come after two state laws were enacted earlier this year, Senate Bill 1087 and Assembly Bill 1740, that prohibit the sale of catalytic converters without legal documentation or proof of ownership and require buyers to document purchases with make, model, year and vehicle identification number.

According to a staff report prepared for the council, the city's ordinances allow officials to enforce state laws by requiring individuals to provide documentation to law enforcement for catalytic converters in their possession, a law that does not currently exist on a state level.

"Really what this does is it closes the gap in what our police need to enforce any kind of state law," Blay said.

Documentation considered proof of ownership can include a receipt from an auto-body shop, a bill of sale from the original owner with their contact information and signature, or verifiable electronic communication from the previous owner.

City ordinances are enacted 30 days after they have been approved by the council.

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