That stash of car parts Grandpa has collected over the years better not contain a single catalytic converter unless he can prove he owns it.
Santa Barbara County recently adopted an ordinance that criminalizes possession of even one of the unattached part that has become a target for thieves seeking the precious metals contained within.
“To deter theft of catalytic converters and to enhance the capability of law enforcement to arrest and prosecute those suspected of carrying out such crimes, the proposed ordinance makes it unlawful for any person who is not a licensed recycler to possess a catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle, unless the person has a valid proof of ownership of the catalytic converter,” 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino wrote in a letter to the board…