ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – As metal theft continues to plague Albuquerque businesses and city property, a proposed city ordinance could help police prosecute the thieves.
It’s an all too common theft, forcing car owners to pay thousands of dollars in repairs. “Within two minutes, they will cut this right here, and then they’ll cut up here, and they’ll make off with this catalytic converter that quick,” said Renee Grout, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 9, as she pointed to the catalytic converter under a car in her auto shop.
But after passing a city ordinance in 2023 making it harder for criminals to sell stolen catalytic converters, Albuquerque Police say they’ve seen an overall decrease in these types of thefts…