Public Safety
Riverside County Supervisors Tackle Catalytic Converter Theft
RIVERSIDE (CNS) – The Board of Supervisors Tuesday directed the Riverside County Executive Office to initiate the creation of an ordinance intended to crack down on catalytic converter thieves by establishing local regulations and penalties where none exist at the state level.
Board Chairman Kevin Jeffries and Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez brought forward the proposal, noting in documents posted to the board’s agenda that “catalytic converter theft has been one of the fastest growing crimes in the country.”
“Currently, law enforcement cannot seize a catalytic converter found to be removed from a vehicle and in someone’s possession unless a victim can be identified,” the supervisors wrote. “Catalytic converter theft is very costly to victims of this crime, both in dollars and in the time and inconvenience of repairs, and have affected individuals, businesses and government agencies.”
Supervisors said the intent of a local ordinance would be to “hold thieves accountable and discourage theft in unincorporated areas of Riverside County.”
The Inland Empire and other regions statewide have been plagued by converter thefts. The devices are used to filter engine emissions to cut down on the amount of pollutants discharged by cars and trucks. They’re located within a vehicle’s exhaust system and average about $1,200 apiece.
Their components include precious metals like palladium, platinum and rhodium, all of which command per-ounce prices ranging from $1,000 to $14,000. Thieves take the converters to scrap metal dealers and sell them.
Jeffries and Gutierrez directed the Executive Office to coordinate with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office to draft a proposed ordinance, modeling it on a measure that the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved last year.
That ordinance provides actions local authorities can take to deter or stop converter thefts, recognizing that the state does not have any specific provisions that address the crimes.
“There (is) no state or federal legislation applicable within San Bernardino County requiring individuals to provide proof to law enforcement showing how they obtained detached catalytic converters, thus limiting law enforcement’s ability to protect the public by deterring catalytic converter thefts,” according to the county’s ordinance.
Jeffries and Gutierrez signaled their desire to see the county replicate what its neighbor to north has done, establishing proof of ownership requirements that include the license plate number of the vehicle from which a converter was taken; personal identifying information of the possessor; signature of the owner of the vehicle authorizing removal of the converter and that person’s contact information; a valid receipt for a replacement converter and proof of its installation.
Converter thefts in San Bernardino County are misdemeanors, punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and maximum jail terms of six months.
Jeffries expressed concern that there may be a state preemption issue if the county establishes its own anti-theft regulations, but he was informed by County Counsel Minh Tran that the matter would be thoroughly vetted before it’s submitted to the board.
Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.
By: Pristine Villarreal
June 13, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.