Project CATCON ID in Bellevue, WA

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Honda Auto Center of Bellevue is proud to partner with the Bellevue, WA, Police Department for the first Project CATCON ID event. This event aims to help deter catalytic converter theft in our community.

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According to law enforcement authorities, catalytic converters have been stolen in increasing numbers across the country. For example, in Bellevue, Washington, the city’s police department has seen a significant increase in thefts of catalytic converters, mirroring what law enforcement agencies throughout the United States are reporting.

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What is a Catalytic Converter, and Why Are They Stolen?

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Catalytic converters are used on cars with internal combustion engines to convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants. The converters contain precious metals in a muffler-like component attached to the exhaust pipe.

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They are valuable pieces of equipment because they contain precious metals like platinum and palladium. But, unfortunately, that makes them valuable to thieves too.

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Catalytic converters are easily accessible underneath a vehicle, and thieves can steal them in just minutes. These expensive stolen components are then sold to scrap metal yards for the precious metals they contain. It can cost car owners up to thousands of dollars to replace a stolen catalytic converter.

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The loss of a vehicle’s catalytic converter is both inconvenient and costly. It is also illegal to drive your car without one.

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Ways to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft Around Bellevue

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To help prevent catalytic converter thievery, the Bellevue Police Department is working with local businesses to start Project CATCON ID, which aims to educate people on how to deter catalytic converter theft.

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At Project CATCON ID events, local drivers from Seattle to Renton, WA, can have their catalytic converters etched with the last eight digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN), then highlighted with bright high-temperature paint.

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Bellevue Police are betting that etching, painting and registering the pricey automobile components will deter them from being sold on by thieves. In addition, since the stolen catalytic converters will be more easily identifiable, they will pose a risk to scrap yards and other potential purchasers.

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Bellevue Police Chief, Wendell Shirley, said the intent is for thieves to avoid the painted catalytic converters due to the increased risk of trying to sell them once stolen.

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Plus, the catalytic converter etching and registration process may help law enforcement identify the owner and solve the crime if a stolen converter is recovered.

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What Honda Auto Center of Bellevue is Doing to Help

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The Bellevue Police Department and the team at Honda Auto Center of Bellevue are doing their part to protect motorists within our community from experiencing catalytic converter theft.

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By coming to our Bellevue Honda dealership and getting your catalytic converter painted, etched and registered with the police department, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft.

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Honda Auto Center of Bellevue is performing this service from March 7 to March 11, from 1-5 pm, as part of the Project CATCON ID initiative. The procedure is free of charge to community members who register.

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Bellevue Police Officers will be on hand to address community member concerns and distribute stickers to motorists to put in their windshields to alert thieves that the car’s catalytic converter has been marked.

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We want to thank everyone involved who helped make the first Project CATCON ID event an overwhelming success for our community!

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Catalytic converter theft has become a severe problem around Bellevue and beyond, and we are committed to helping find a solution. If you have any questions about catalytic converter theft or Project CATCON ID, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Honda Auto Center of Bellevue. We’re happy to help!

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