WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another catalytic-converter theft

| Crime | West Seattle news

A texter reports their Prius’s catalytic converter was stolen early Saturday. The car was parked in a Harbor Avenue driveway near Seacrest, and the theft happened around 4:45 am.

Findlay August 15, 2021 (3:23 pm)

Wish I would hear how local law enforcement and government are working to disrupt the pipeline that makes this activity profitable. Had this happen to me recently and am $2400 poorer. Very frustrating that these vampires are allowed to flourish.

WSB August 15, 2021 (3:58 pm)

https://westseattleblog.com/2021/07/tackling-catalytic-converter-theft-talking-festivals-future-more-fauntleroy-community-association/

Renee Heerhartz August 15, 2021 (3:43 pm)

RI read somewhere that a Snohomish County Official suggested that VIN numbers be put on the catalytic converters that way if they are stolen there would be an identifier. So if some low life steal the converter it would be little harder to pawn, maybe. I don’t know if the manufacturer or dealer would be able to mark these in some way to make them less of a target. Just saying.

WSB August 15, 2021 (3:53 pm)

Everett Police have a project going –
https://everettwa.gov/2743/Catalytic-converter-theft-prevention-Cat
bolo August 15, 2021 (8:52 pm)

If the criminals can file the serial numbers off firearms (they do) they can file the VIN off a catalytic converter (softer metal, so easier).

Carole August 15, 2021 (4:43 pm)

This could, and should be, done at the factory level during manufacture of vehicles. After mine was stolen I paid to have the catsecurity shield installed. Costs not just money but time and inconvenience.

Dirtbags all around August 15, 2021 (7:11 pm)

The only way that would work is if the state imposed a enforced inventory sheet or some oversight of smelters/buyers purchase logs and even then there will be many forced to find loopholes and cut corners as I have heard that the buyers shoveling out the big bucks for these cats actually push for the cats with little to zero stipulations only requiring the model number before coming out to exchange cat for cash. Requiring a vin number to attach to it really wouldn’t make much of a difference or deterrent since they can be easily obtained through even a quick search of the plate or even snapping a quick pic before the theft occurs. Most of these individuals are out for instant gratification and don’t worry to much about what possibly could be consequential with the likelihood that they also are tapped into other methods of crime using a fraudulent name and or proof of identification. Hate to say it but this will continue to be a issue til the market drops significantly on rhodium

curious questioner August 15, 2021 (8:07 pm)

I would imagine this is a good way for some people to make ends meet. What choices are we expecting people expected to make when they have no education, no savings, no prospects for a good middle class career, trauma, and likely addiction issues – and when or if they are ever caught, nothing of substance actually happens. I would like to see some stricter enforcement of the laws we paid to have created, as well as more services to help those who are caught. But without a path to a real life, it’s folly to expect anything is going to stop this stuff from happening.

22blades August 15, 2021 (8:07 pm)

Who is buying this metal?

Kathy August 16, 2021 (8:11 pm)

Just Say No to fossil fuels.

SKE August 23, 2021 (11:33 am)

Response to Curious Questioner: You think that these thieves steal to make ends meet. I am sorry but Where have you been. They do not have ends to meet! They steal for the cash to purchase the drugs, not to supplement their income! They have no income, because they can’t get or hold a job due to their drug addiction. And I would venture to guess that a great percentage of them have been offered help for their addictions and refuse “because they are just not ready to Quit yet” or they do not want to conform to the rules that come with the offer of help.I have a great job, newer car, nice apt. and still live paycheck to paycheck but stealing has never crossed my mind to make ends meet when they didn’t. I am fortunate, thankful and blessed for what have, but I have these things because I work hard, not steal from someone who worked hard for what the thief just stole from them. Sorry just had to get that off my chest.

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