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San José, CA —February 6th, 2024. The memorandum brought forward by San José Councilmembers Domingo Candelas, Peter Ortiz, Dev Davis, Sergio Jimenez, and Bien Doan to strengthen laws prohibiting the unlawful possession of catalytic converters was unanimously approved by the full city council. The proposed changes will enact a higher schedule of fines within a longer time frame of violation for the possession of catalytic converters.
Catalytic converters are a vehicle part that controls the emissions of harmful gases from going into the environment and are lucrative to steal as they contain different types of precious metals that can be re-sold on the black market. Based on nationwide insurance claims, catalytic converter thefts skyrocketed during the stay-at-home orders of the COVID-19 pandemic. In San José, reported catalytic converter thefts totaled 836 reports in 2023, causing major economic setbacks for victims. Depending on your insurance coverage, replacing a catalytic converter can range anywhere between $1,000 - $3,000.
Councilmember Domingo Candelas states that, "With the passage of this ordinance, we've taken a significant step towards protecting our communities from catalytic converter theft. This ordinance reinforces our commitment to safety, and justice for all members of our community. "
Says Councilmember Peter Ortiz, “The cost of replacing a catalytic converter is beyond reasonable for any working-class person. To that end, the goal of our policy is to send a clear message to thieves: if you steal from the working class, we will come down on you with the full force of the law. I’m hopeful this policy will provide the SJPD the necessary tools and education to ensure that catalytic converter theft is a thing of the past in the City of San José.”
Councilmember Sergio Jimenez adds “I am proud to support the City’s efforts to reduce catalytic converter theft and hold offenders accountable for their actions.”
"My young intern had his catalytic converter stolen from his car.” said Councilmember Dev Davis. “It caused him a lot of grief and hard-earned wages to replace it. Hopefully, with these new laws, we can deter this type of illegal act."
Says Councilmember Bien Doan, "It is my hope that these increased fines work to deter catalytic converter theft. San José residents have far too long been a victim of this criminal epidemic."
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