CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Catalytic converter theft isn’t anything new, but it’s a real problem many throughout the county are still facing, and the Chula Vista Police Department wants to help put an end to it as it tracks a decline in cases over the past few years.
The department is getting ready to host its next Engrave & Save event on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the city of Chula Vista Public Works Center where the first 250 registrants will receive free VIN number engraving on their catalytic converter to help deter thieves.
To register, you must meet the following conditions:
- Your vehicle must be currently registered (proof of vehicle registration is required).
- Only passenger vehicles qualify (no RVs).
Quick to access and remove, catalytic converters attract thieves looking to cash in and leaving victims with big repair costs.
“I’ve seen them go from $700 or $800 for an aftermarket replacement all the way to $5,000 for a factory replacement,” said Ray Frey, owner of Ray Frey Auto Center in Kearny Mesa…