Coon Rapids Police Offer CATGUARD Kits To Deter Catalytic Converter Theft

Coon Rapids Police Offer CATGUARD Kits To Deter Catalytic Converter Theft

In a bid to combat the persistent issue of catalytic converter theft, the Coon Rapids Police Department is now offering CATGUARD marking kits. These kits, sourced from the MN Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau, aim to provide vehicle owners with a theft-deterrent by engraving their converters with a traceable serial number. As reported in their social media post, this initiative is by no means a comprehensive solution, but rather a strategic tool designed to offset theft rates. "This kit will mark the converter with a serial number that can be tracked back to a victim, thus being able to charge the person caught with it," the department explained, recognizing the device's role in aiding criminal charges against thieves.

Residents can pick up these kits from the local police department lobby during the weekday hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Vehicle owners should come prepared by bringing their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can typically be found on the lower driver's side of the front windshield. The associated risks of theft are disproportionately higher for certain models, but the threat looms over all. According to their announcement, the most at-risk vehicles include a range of models from manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota.

While the effectiveness of such deterrent methods can vary, the initiative nonetheless represents part of a continuous effort to protect personal property from the rampant escalation of catalytic converter thefts. The marked increase in such crimes has posed a costly nuisance for car owners and a challenge for law enforcement agencies seeking to stem the tide. The Coon Rapids Police Department's distribution of CATGUARD marking kits is a testament to these ongoing efforts to enhance vehicle security in our communities.

For those interested in obtaining a kit, further information can be obtained directly from the Coon Rapids Police Department's Facebook post.

SOURCE: hoodline