Law enforcement, auto shops crack down on catalytic converter thefts by offering free spray paint

by: Nicole Dantzler, Delaney Murray

Posted: Oct 19, 2022 / 09:09 PM EDT

Updated: Oct 19, 2022 / 09:09 PM EDT

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Catalytic converter thieves are busy in Central Virginia, and now law enforcement agencies are hoping paint will stop them in their tracks.  

Law enforcement agencies across the region have partnered with the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to launch an operation called “Catalytic Converter Crackdown.”  The goal of the operation is to deter thieves from stealing catalytic converters from vehicles.

The agencies held a news briefing on Wednesday, Oct. 19 to talk about how many thefts have been reported so far this year.

In Henrico County, there were 683 catalytic converter thefts between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30 this year. Last year, the area had a total of 504 during the same period.

In Richmond, there were 592 catalytic converter thefts as of October 17. In 2021, the area had a total of 559.

In Chesterfield County, there have been 304 catalytic converter thefts so far in 2022. Last year, the area had a total of 297.

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