Santa Barbara County is considering tougher penalties for catalytic converter theft, even as reported thefts of vehicle parts and accessories have declined in recent years.
At JVS Automotive, owner Jose Lara said catalytic converter thefts were once a common reason customers brought their vehicles into the shop.
“Lately, no, I haven’t seen anyone come in because of catalytic converter theft,” Lara said. “But before, all the time, they would come in without their catalytic converter.”…