Minnesota shop teams with sheriff’s office to help track stolen catalytic converters

Due to the success of the program, the sheriff’s office is expanding it with other repair shops in the county

Pine Island, Minn.—California police department programs have inspired Goodhue Sheriff’s Community Engagement Deputy Jenny Hofschulte to team with a local repair shop to help track stolen catalytic converters.

Bird’s Auto in Pine Island and the sheriff’s department have partnered to etch vehicle license plate numbers on converters still on vehicles, according to a report by the Post Bulletin, in hope that it will be more difficult for thieves to sell stolen converters to scrap dealers.

Bird’s Auto owner has reported numerous customers with missing converters and etches the plate numbers at no charge with any paid repair or service. Due to the success of the program, the sheriff’s office is expanding it with other repair shops in the county.