Locally, theft of catalytic converters is on the rise. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has seen a 270% increase in this type of theft since 2021. While thieves may make a couple of dollars re-selling a stolen catalytic converter, the victims must pay exponentially more. The average financial cost to replace a catalytic converter after it has been stolen from a vehicle is approximately $1,800 on average (depending on the vehicle). In addition, due to reduced supply issues, some replacement catalytic converters are not available. Most stolen catalytic converters from Washoe County go out of state to be turned in for money at metal recycling facilities.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has implemented a plan to curb catalytic converter theft in Washoe County. Beginning today, residents can go online to www.WashoeSheriff.com to request a personalized catalytic converter identification kit for their vehicle(s). The information you need to obtain the kit is simple: your name, contact information and vehicle information (year make model and VIN). Complete the questions on the website then submit your application electronically to the Sheriff’s Office. Your personalized catalytic converter marking kit will then be mailed to you.

When your anti-theft kit arrives in the mail it will contain a personalized sticker with the VIN from your vehicle(s). It will also include instructions for you to apply the personalized sticker yourself or a list of selected automotive shops who will complete the installation for you, free of charge.

While this initiative won’t prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen, it may deter a thief from taking your property. This is a free service from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, available to all citizens of Washoe County. Special thanks to The Washoe County Honorary Deputy Association for the initial funding to make this program possible.

For more details, go to www.WashoeSheriff.com and click on the ‘Apply for Catalytic Program’ button or call 775-328-3020.