As catalytic converter thefts continue to rise, frustration mounts

Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed across the Denver metro area over the past two years, with a record number of thefts across the state. Victims and law enforcement are frustrated with the spike, saying more needs to be done.

[@Ascend777]

Lethal force needs to be legal against cat theives NOW

[@dangingerich2559]

It's mostly the fault of the Colorado legislature. If the item stolen is less than $2000, then it's just a misdemeanor now. So, little to no jail time. Most catalytic converters are less than $1500. Sure, it costs more to get repairs, but since the item stolen is so low in value, it is still a minor crime. This change was done by the legislature this year, effectively confirming that this is not a crime to them. This after they cut back renters' rights back in 2016 so badly we went from one of the most renter protected states to one of the most landlord friendly states in one stroke of a pen. The Democrats are NOT what people think they are.

[@Rasia-lu2ib]

Denver has become a complete shit show! Especially the more West you go. I'm so disappointed with the Mayor of what used to be a beautiful city. Its time to move out!

[@gmfitzg]

They should pass a law and make it a FELONY!!!!

[@Fuunnnyyy]

Other states are doing this but Denver politicians love their criminals. It gives them something to “fix” to be re-elected

[@noturningback2023]

It needs to be illegal for anyone to buy a catalytic converter from thugs on the street. A few arrests have been made, but not enough.

[@adolfilyichmarx9589]

It is illegal. Thugs sell to chop shops.

[@chalegend7248]

Ever heard of 2 crime in one scene? Some fools try to cut off my CAT!!! Went out there and pop lead in the fools head!!!! 2 CRIME IN ONE SCENE!!!!👍

[@lbrambo5623]

Here in California we weld steel plates to the frame covering the Cat.

[@jimjr6919]

If the Criminals aren't being prosected, can we eliminate the Criminals without being prosecuted?? COP didn't see, it I didn't do it, is obviously the Moto EVERYONE needs to start living by! Mad Max!!

[@jimmyraidjames]

If i hear or see anyone around my property my Glock-48 is gonna discharge

[@olivi3339]

Take the law into your own hands..........

[@AngelLuisEspada1970]

🤔 no. If you do likely you be sued.

[@Kick_Rocks]

Just have the manufacturer stamp the converters with a serial number, and then if they try to sell them they can't without a serial number. Pass a law saying so. They could also do a drive thru registration of all CC, attach and engrave a VIN to them an start a database. Just register the Catalytic converters.

[@raventhorX]

I thought the thieves were stealing these to salvage the metals in them and sell it instead? Couldn't they just break it down enough that the raw materials no longer show any indicators or identifiers?

[@Kick_Rocks]

@@raventhorX I'm sure they want the cat because they know what metals are in it. Criminals don't want to do all the work to break them down I'm sure but who knows.

[@RealMTBAddict]

Nope. Just have a thick piece of rebar welded to it.

[@Kick_Rocks]

@@RealMTBAddict That would work as well. They just need to do something.

[@BenKlassen1]

We need to start saw-zawing off hands of thieves as legal punishment.

[@ruffryder13]

How about no CC selling in Colorado? Done If there's no market, there's no theft.

[@raventhorX]

that would just increase black market sales. If people can't get it legit then they will purchase some other way. If you are talking about banning the sales of black market CCs however then you're just barking up a tree because they are already trying to sell stolen property, I don't think they would care about a ban specific to them.

[@ruffryder13]

@@raventhorX black market sales to whom? Those with a business license? Okay, 2 CC in the back your truck without a reasonable explanation is a felony. How about you propose a real solution instead of nitpicking hypothetical situations only you can imagine?

[@raventhorX]

@@ruffryder13 I'm confused by what you mean. If they banned CC sales it wouldn't matter if you had a legit business license.

[@RealMTBAddict]

They sell the platinum that's inside. Duh

[@jimjr6919]

Simplest way is to require all payments from the recycler to be in a check with drivers license, or electronic payment to a bank account, not any card, but a real bank account, and every catalytic converter is numbered!

[@guesswhomartin9249]

It would be a lot easier to catch these thieves if police officers would search more for criminals and get away from traffic stops completely. Keep in mind; traffic stops are not crimes. You don't go to jail/prison for traffic stops. Broken brake lights are not crimes, failure to make a complete stop at a stop sign is not a crime. Expired car tags are not crimes, tinted windows are not crimes. Get the point ? If ALL police officers were to get away from traffic stops completely, more police officers would be out looking for all these catalytic converter thefts..

[@Fuunnnyyy]

Please keep bringing more attention to this and car thefts. Other states don’t have this issue as bad as we do, or if they do some are pushing for the crime to be considered a Felony. If there’s no punishment, it’s common sense, that it will keep happening. We give criminals way to much leeway here.

[@imthebadguy3225]

What would this reporter say if he had defended himself? *"This was a modern day lynching!!"*

[@RealMTBAddict]

The city needs to be paying for people to have thick rebar installed on ALL cars.

[@monkeyking-self-proclaimed7050]

Anytime your cat is stolen, go steal it back from your governor. Sheeet will change fast.

[@georgerivas8929]

A rare look?

[@fredericklegrande4564]

STOP BUYING THEM

[@tommyrock155]

The car manufacturers are guilty because they mount the expensive catalytic converter under the car without any protective shield, thus encouraging the theft of catalytic converters. We must all unite and sue the car manufacturers, to pay compensation! The car manufacturers should learn to mount protective shields under the catalysts and pipes so that it takes several hours for them to be removed to access the catalysts, then the catalysts will no longer be stolen!

[@ednaloftin4749]

Somebody’s buying it from them they just don’t care sorry

[@stefan6538]

democrats

[@peterd2587]

Eliminate emissions laws, no problem

[@AngelLuisEspada1970]

😆

[@AngelLuisEspada1970]

😆😆😆

[@billcooper54]

Pigs won't do f$$kall

[@issahumps]

They can’t, minor crime now and DA s are not prosecuting …. Vote different next time.