Yuma — Yuma police are notifying the community that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again. The good news is that ARS 13-3728 (shipped with HB2652) has changed. This makes it illegal to purchase, solicit, advertise, possess or sell used catalytic converters or other products and is a class 1 misdemeanor. Non-ferrous parts for catalytic converters.
The Yuma Police Department has partnered with several local businesses to combat catalytic converter theft in Yuma.
In Yuma County and across the country, vehicle catalytic converters have been stolen and the precious metals contained within. This problem has cost consumers millions of dollars in replacing auto parts. Additionally, most catalytic converters do not have serial numbers or unique markings, making it difficult for law enforcement to prove that a catalytic converter has been stolen.
Equipped with a catalytic converter, it can target any vehicle. The top three vehicles targeted in Yuma City are Ford F-series trucks, Chevrolet vans and Honda CRVs. Commercial work and transportation vehicles are a concern as they park overnight in parking lots and business areas.
With generous donations and the support of local businesses, YPD will provide free catalytic converter etching. This etching allows for tracking if a stolen catalytic converter is found and can deter thieves from seeing what they have stolen.
The following companies are participating in this project.
express lube
1900 S. 4th Avenue
(928) 783-0597
FTS Automotive & Diesel Center
1701 S. Arizona Ave
(928) 343-9430
Accurate car attention
1495 South Third Avenue
(928) 783-8808
big o tire
2975 S Pacific Ave
(928)-328-1394
big o tire
10517 S side road
(928)-328-1090
Reservations are required for etching. Citizens should call one of the listed businesses to set up an appointment. Motorhomes and his vehicles over 1 ton are ineligible for this program.
The Yuma Police Department would also like to thank Home Depot for donating etching tools to make this possible. If other companies are interested in participating in this program, please contact Detective Waymire at the Yuma Police Department.
At the Yuma Police Department, anyone with information regarding the theft of a catalytic converter should anonymously call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 783-4421 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463. Remember, you can get up to $1,000 in cash rewards if your information leads to an arrest.
