COLORADO, USA — Many law enforcement agencies are taking steps to deter catalytic convertor theft but that does little for those who have already been victimized, but now there's relief for them too.
The Catalytic Converter Assistance Program provides financial aid to victims through a partnership with the state legislature and the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority.
>The video above is a prior report about catalytic convertor theft prevention.
Catalytic converters are targeted for theft because of the precious metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and/or rhodium which can yield fast cash to a thief. Because the value of precious metals increasing, the theft of catalytic converters has skyrocketed in many Colorado communities.
Although the theft of a catalytic converter may be lucrative to thieves, vehicle owners can experience up to and in excess of $2,000 in replacement costs.
Under this legislation, eligible individuals may receive financial assistance toward the replacement of their stolen catalytic converter. Funds for this first-time program are limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early. The application period is now open and will close on March 31, 2023.
To be eligible an applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be the current registered owner of a vehicle titled and registered through the Colorado Department of Revenue that had its catalytic converter stolen in Colorado. The date of replacement of the catalytic converter is Feb. 7, 2023, or later. Or, the catalytic converter has not been replaced yet.
- Have filed and obtained an official police report from a Colorado law enforcement agency, regarding the stolen catalytic converter taken from the vehicle.
- Not in any way have been involved in illegal activity associated with the theft of the vehicle's catalytic converter.
- Have had insurance covering the vehicle, as required under Colorado law, at the time of the vehicle’s catalytic converter theft.
- Have, or be willing to have, all repairs funded under this program completed by using OEM replacement catalytic converters or other converters approved for use by Colorado Statute and can provide documentation of the installation.
- Have installed or agree to install a CatEtch label to the catalytic converter of the vehicle immediately after the completion of such repairs or replacement to the vehicle to prevent further theft.
Assistance will only be provided to only vehicle owners that can have all repairs completed by June 1, 2023.
Applicants must complete an official application which can be found here.
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