Police fight catalytic converter thefts by warning scrap metal buyers about new laws

New phase in the fight against catalytic converter theft

                                  (File)

Authorities are entering a new phase in the fight against catalytic converter theft by delivering a warning about current laws to businesses that purchase the auto parts off the street.

A new Indiana law, which took effect July 1 of this year, states a business can only purchase a catalytic converter that’s not still attached to a vehicle if the person trying to sell it has proof of ownership of the vehicle the part came from. Such documentation can include a vehicle title or registration, a receipt from a transaction of repair for the vehicle, or an affidavit by a law enforcement officer attesting to the officer’s reasonable belief that the catalytic converter lawfully came into the possession of the person attempting to sell the catalytic converter.

The new law also increases violations to a level 6 felony, instead of a class A misdemeanor.

Outdated rules businesses were following only required the seller’s identification and proof of ownership of the vehicle they arrived in.

“Requiring the documentation that was necessary prior to July 1st,”