The San Mateo Police Department said it has purchased 500 self-installable CATGUARD devices designed to prevent the theft of catalytic converters after records in that county showed an increase in theft of auto parts.
The measure includes the purchase of 500 CATGUARD self-installable marking kits for San Mateo residents that include two ultra-destructive tags with an identification number that will break into pieces if removed, metal etching fluid, two window stickers and information on how to register in the CATGUARD database.
The local authority detailed that several factors made the theft of catalytic converters extremely attractive for thieves, as they can be stolen in less than a minute without being detected, and are not easy to identify or track, which facilitated their sale in exchange for lucrative payments at scrapyards.
CATGUARD works by placing an ultra-destructive label with a unique serial number on a cold catalytic converter. Metal etching fluid is applied over the sticker. The vehicle's engine is then turned on to heat up the converter, resulting in the label's unique number being etched into the catalytic converter.
The unique number is then recorded in the CATGUARD database, allowing law enforcement to trace the converter to a specific vehicle if the part is stolen and later recovered.
Additionally, vehicle owners can place the two warning stickers on the vehicle to show that they are registered in the database and possibly deter thieves from targeting the vehicle.
San Mateo residents can register for the free program starting November 17 through the website www.cityofsanmateo.org/CATGUARD.
Residents will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis with a limit of one kit per household. The first 500 eligible residents will be notified by email the week of November 28.
The San Mateo Police Department said in a statement that it selected CATGUARD kits because of the ease, speed and convenience with which they can be installed by a vehicle owner.
Unlike traditional “tape and draw” campaigns that require the assistance of mechanics or people familiar with power tools, this kit can be easily installed by a non-specialist.
However, the department has partnered with three local body shops across the city — Claremont Automotive at 945 S Claremont St., E&J Auto Repair at 317 S Norfolk St. #3010, and Ma's Auto Repair & Smog at 2660 S El Camino Real — to assist those residents who are afraid to install the sticker on their catalytic converters themselves.
It is worth noting that, as of January 1, 2023, the law defines who can sell or buy catalytic converters and ensures that the seller of these parts is the verifiable owner of the catalytic converter prior to the sale.
“Catalytic converter theft is a problem that requires a proactive, timely and innovative response. This program, along with new legislation, actively addresses this challenging issue and seeks to significantly limit a person’s ability to profit from this type of crime,” said San Mateo Police Department Chief Ed Barberini.
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