PERRIS (CNS) - A law enforcement operation to crack down on vehicle
catalytic converter thefts in Perris led to the seizure of more than 400
converters and the identification of unlicensed auto repair shops, authorities
said today.The sweep was conducted Wednesday by the Riverside County Vehicle
Dismantler Industry Strike Team, composed of sheriff's deputies, officers from
municipal police agencies and inspectors from the California Department of
Motor Vehicles.Converters are used to filter engine emissions to cut down on the
amount of pollutants discharged by cars and trucks. The devices, located on the
underside of vehicles, average about $1,000 apiece.Sheriff's Sgt. David Marshall said the strike team sought to identify
auto shops allegedly involved in illegally pro
