Image of a catalytic converter installed in a vehicle. Valley News/Courtesy photo
The County of Riverside Board of Supervisors approved a new ordinance on Tuesday, Aug. 29 to combat the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles in Riverside County unincorporated areas. Due to the increasing value of the precious metals contained within the catalytic converter, thefts have been rising at an alarming rate. Each can be sold for up to $1,200.Criminals can steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle in as little as a few seconds, while unsuspecting residents shop, work or sleep. Residents victimized by these thefts pay thousands of dollars to replace and repair their vehicles.“Catalytic converter thefts have increased by more than 50 percent in the unincorporated areas in a single year,” said Board Chair Kevin Jeffries, First District Supervisor. “Hundreds of
