Rep. Baird Introduces Bill to Prevent Catalytic Converter Thefts

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Preventing Auto Recycling Thefts (PART) Act, which aims to reduce catalytic converter thefts by marking identifying information on catalytic converters, addressing how the parts are purchased, and strengthening enforceability of catalytic converter theft for local law enforcement officers.

“In West Central Indiana and across the country, catalytic converter theft has had a dramatic impact on vehicle and business owners, leading them to await costly repairs with few tools to prevent similar crimes in the future,” said Rep. Baird. “By closing long-exploited loopholes and strengthening law enforcement’s ability to locate stolen parts and enforce the law, we can create a safer environment for vehicle owners and put a stop to these crimes once and for all.”

“We are pleased to see Congress taking an active role in addressing this growing crime that impacts the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Americans across the country,” said David Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime. “Car thefts and other auto crimes like catalytic converter thefts have risen dramatically over the past two years and are at record highs. Vehicle owners pay a high price when a thief targets their catalytic converter, often incurring lost income from missing work, needing to find and pay for alternate transportation and then paying anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to get the vehicle fixed. This bill is a critical step in helping bring relief to the people most directly impacted by these crimes.”

“The MCCA thanks Rep. Baird for introducing the PART Act,” said Major Cities Chiefs Associations Executive Director Laura Cooper. “Over the past few years, major cities across the country have reported an increase in catalytic converter thefts. By updating federal law to account for this growing trend, the PART Act will create a powerful deterrent and help ensure those who buy and sell stolen catalytic convertors are held accountable. In addition, the provisions related to marking catalytic converters with unique identification numbers will support law enforcement's efforts to solve these crimes as efficiently as possible when they do occur.”

“We applaud Representative Baird and his staff on introducing this bill,” said Brett Scott, Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association.  “Catalytic converter crime is at an all-time high and this legislation is a great step toward addressing this issue. At the end of the day, these thefts only hurt consumers and their wallets.”