Posted: | October 6, 2023 02:16 PM |
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From: | Representative Kathleen C. Tomlinson |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Catalytic Converter Theft Legislation |
MEMORANDUM DATE: 10/6/2023 FROM: Representative Kathleen C. Tomlinson TO: All House Members SUBJECT: Catalytic Converter Theft Recently, we have seen a rise in the theft of catalytic converters. The Bensalem Township Police Department has reported that theft from auto rose 32% this year with the most common target being the catalytic converter. This follows national trends as catalytic converter theft hit an all time high in 2022 and these thefts remain 21 times higher than the previous five years. Currently our police departments do not have the ability to charge catalytic converter thieves unless they catch them in the act of removing a catalytic converter from a vehicle. My bill would give police departments the ability to charge thieves with a crime if they are caught in possession of detached catalytic converters without proper justification such as auto mechanic, scrap dealer or other commercial reason. Please join me in sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB1749