Thousands of stolen catalytic converters have been recovered in San Joaquin County, yet police agencies lack laws needed to prosecute many of those who are caught with the auto parts in their possession, the county Board of Supervisors was told this week.
As a result, the board ordered an ordinance drafted that could make possession of a stolen catalytic converter a misdemeanor in the county.
The effort, brought to the board by Supervisor Steven Ding, came with the full endorsement of Sheriff Patrick Withrow, who said more than 3,500 stolen catalytic converters have been recovered in Stockton, Lodi and other areas of San Joaquin County in the past five years…