San Francisco launches free catalytic converter etching program in Sunset District with support from volunteer auto shops

(SAN FRANCISCO) The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and D4 Supervisor Joel Engardio are in partnership with the volunteer auto shops in the Sunset District to offer a free catalytic converter etching program for residents aiming to deter theft.

Police Chief Bill Scott and Engardio held a press conference on June 2 at the Sunset Auto Care in Sunset to launch the free catalytic converter etching program.

Sunset Auto Care was one of the first auto shops to donate time and labor to do the etching work for free for the residents who signed up to participate in the program.

Catalytic converter theft has been on the rise in recent years in San Francisco. "Sunset neighborhoods report the most catalytic converter thefts in San Francisco," said Engardio at the press event. Engardio believed more residential buildings concentrated in the neighborhoods would make Sunset an easy target and location for catalytic converter thefts.

Catalytic converters are a hot commodity for thieves because of their value, relative ease to steal (unbolt or cut out), and lack of identifying markings, according to SFPD. The lack of identification makes it hard to identify victims and successfully apprehend and prosecute criminals.

It is estimated that the cost of a catalytic converter has a broad range from about $900 on the low end to $3,500 or even more on the high-end. Thieves would take the stolen catalytic converters to metal recyclers in exchange for cash.

SFPD said while any vehicle manufactured after 1974 can be considered a target for catalytic converter thieves, the most targeted vehicles are typically trucks, SUV’s, and lighter vehicles.

The newly-launched free catalytic converter etching is a pilot program starting in the Sunset. SFPD and Engardio announced the program earlier for the residents to sign up. More than 300 people signed up for the program and about 20 of them won the lottery to get their cars serviced on June 2, the first day of the pilot program.

The participating auto shops would etch the license plate numbers and spray-paint SFPD logo on the catalytic converters. If those catalytic converters are stolen, it would be more difficult for the thieves to sell.

"It won't stop the theft, but it helps to identify. It is identified that this is a stolen property," Scott said. "It is a good step. It can help the prosecutor's side too."

"I partnered with San Francisco police and Sunset auto shops to etch license numbers and paint the SFPD logo on catalytic converters — as a theft deterrent and to help police track stolen parts," Engardio said.

"And a severe shortage of police officers citywide means we only get a handful of officers protecting the Sunset every night," Engardio added. "We have to do something while working to recruit and fund more police officers. Public safety is my top priority and I'm working with SFPD to recruit more officers, invest in proactive policing, and find creative ways to deter crime like the etching program."

Engardio acknowledged the support from local auto shops in Sunset. "The owners of Sunset Auto Care and Sunset 76 are heroes. They volunteered their shops and labor. They deserve our thanks for supporting our community."

SFPD provide tips to prevent catalytic converter theft. Try to park your vehicle inside your garage or in secure side yard. If you have to park outside, leave on exterior lights or install motion detector lights. Get your catalytic converter etched with your license plate number. San Francisco Etch Program partners provide free etching of your license plate number on your catalytic converter or/and spraying SFPD Logo. Report suspicious activity in your neighborhood. If you see a crime in progress, call 911 and call 415-553-0123 to report suspicious activity.

For more information and to register to participate in the Etch Program, you may visit Taraval Station’s webpage on SFPD website (www.sanfranciscopolice.org), or follow Taraval Station on Twitter @SFPDTaraval.