The San Mateo Police Department reported that it has purchased 500 CATGUARD self-install devices, designed to prevent the theft of catalytic converters, after records in that county show an increase in theft of auto parts.
The measure consists of the purchase of 500 CATGUARD self-install marking kits for San Mateo residents that include two ultra-destructive tags with an identification number, which will break into pieces if you try to remove them, metal etching fluid, two stickers for windows and information on how to register in the CATGUARD database.
The local authority explained that several factors made the theft of catalytic converters extremely attractive to thieves, since they can be stolen in less than a minute without being detected, and they are not easy to identify or trace, which facilitated their sale to exchange for lucrative payouts in junkyards.
CATGUARD works by placing an ultra-destruction tag with a unique serial number on a cold catalytic converter. Metal etching fluid is applied to the sticker. The vehicle's engine is then turned on to warm up the converter, resulting in the unique tag number being etched into the catalytic converter.
After that, the unique number is recorded in the CATGUARD database, allowing law enforcement to trace the converter to a specific vehicle if the part is stolen and later recovered.
In addition, vehicle owners can place the two warning stickers on the vehicle to prove that they are registered in the database and possibly deter thieves from attacking the vehicle.
San Mateo residents can register for the program completely free of charge starting this November 17 through the website www.cityofsanmateo.org/CATGUARD.
Residents will be selected on a first-come, first-served 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 the CATGUARD kits because of the ease, speed and convenience with which they can be installed by a vehicle owner.
Unlike traditional "burn and draw" campaigns that require the assistance of mechanics or people familiar with power tools, this kit can be easily installed by a lay person.
However, the department has partnered with three local auto body shops throughout 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 at 2660 S El Camino Real, to help residents who are afraid to install the sticker on their catalytic converters themselves.
It should be noted that, effective 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 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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