Governor Hochul announces new action, signs legislation to crack down on catalytic converter thefts

ALBANY, NY- The theft of catalytic converters from automobiles has become a common criminal trend that police agencies are dealing with, but Governor Kathy Hochul has announced new measures aimed to crackdown on such thieves and ramp up enforcement.

"Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed across our state and nation, and these comprehensive actions double down on our efforts to keep New Yorkers and their property safe, protecting our communities and cracking down on crime,” the Governor said.

Officials say these catalytic converters are a prize in the eyes of a thief because of the rare earth metals they contain.

Catalytic converters are a key piece of a vehicle's exhaust system, breaking down pollutants like smog that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

With thefts of these catalytic converters on the rise, Governor Kathy Hochul announced new actions to increase interagency vehicle and catalytic converter theft enforcements in high-theft areas by targeting unauthorized and illegal vehicle dismantlers, or "chop shops."

The Governor also signed legislation (S.9428/ A.1940-E) to combat the theft of catalytic converters, which imposes restrictions on the purchase, sale, and possession of catalytic converters by vehicle dismantlers and scrap processers.

The cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter can range between $2,000 and $3,000, which includes any damage to the underside of the vehicle.

Image courtesy via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.