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SALT LAKE COUNTY -- Over the last year, Salt Lake County has seen a spike in catalytic converter thefts. Now, police have a new program to combat the crime.
The catalytic converter is designed to cut toxic emissions, but the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office says thieves have been steeling them by the hundreds, hoping to trade them for cash at metal recycling businesses.
The district attorney's office is now teaming up with the Murray Police Department, Midas Auto Service and Larry Miller Toyota to install what they call "cat tags." Identification numbers are welded directly onto the catalytic converters, and police hope they will act as a deterrent.
"If they actually take it and take it to a recycler, or some other place to try to obtain cash for it, then we can follow the trail as to where it came from," said Murray police Detective Kenny Bass.
Prior to these cat tags, police had no real way of tracing stolen catalytic converters. They are urging the public to get these installed, saying it only takes about 30 minutes and costs about $25. Midas and Larry Miller Toyota are even offering a free oil change to anyone who requests a cat tag.
Mechanics say if your catalytic converter is stolen, you'll notice it immediately. Your car won't run as well, the engine light will likely come on and exhaust could come into the car.
A catalytic converter could cost up to $1,600 to replace. Police say the tags are definitely worth the investment.
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Story compiled with contributions from Whit Johnson and Andrew Adams.
