The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) have launched “Operation: Etch & Catch” to combat catalytic converter thefts.
There have been 22 catalytic converter thefts in the county so far this year, according to police. On Sunday, drivers came to Fitzgerald Auto Mall in North Bethesda to have their own car parts marked.
Auto technicians chemically etched an identification number onto each catalytic converter, registered to each car. The information will be retained in a database, making the part traceable in case of theft. If anyone tries to remove the label, the tampering will be evident, explained Technician Eli Mejia.
The etching was free and available to residents by appointment. The police department plans to continue the program. Residents who want to participate can call 240-773-6727 to have an appointment scheduled.
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Police Launch Free Catalytic Converter Etching to Combat Thefts
