Houston, Tx
‘Cut’ catalytic converter ban passed by Houston City Council
Metropolis leaders voted to ban promoting or possessing a catalytic converter that is been lower from a automobile with out documentation.
HOUSTON — Houston metropolis leaders on Wednesday voted to outlaw the sale and possession of sure catalytic converters as thefts have dramatically risen throughout the nation and right here at residence.
The ordinance makes it unlawful to have a used catalytic converter that was lower from its authentic automobile except there’s documentation like a receipt from a restore facility.
The ban doesn’t apply to scrap steel companies registered with town that have already got strict guidelines in place confirming a converter’s possession.
Throughout the first three months of the yr, Houston police recorded 3,188 catalytic converter thefts, a 123% enhance since 2021, in response to figures supplied by town.
International provide chain points have precipitated the value of the precious half to skyrocket.
Here is what’s being performed to cease catalytic converter thefts
Crooks are after the dear metals inside — platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Due to pandemic provide shortages and elevated international demand for the automobile half, costs for the metals have soared. Russia additionally produces almost 30% of the world’s palladium.
Houston scrap steel recyclers and different companies that take care of the dear half are required by town to maintain information together with photos, serial numbers, and another information together with a VIN quantity.
Automotive elements on waitlists as a consequence of provide chain scarcity
