Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Initiative
Since 2020, thefts of catalytic converters have risen significantly across the metro including in Bloomington. The MN Commerce Department, through a state-funded grant program, is rolling out a pilot program to mark catalytic converters to prevent thefts. Bloomington Police is excited about this prevention program and it's partnership with Bobby and Steve's Auto World locations in Bloomington.
The Catalytic Converter Pilot program provides a CatGuard label that is permanetly applied to a vehicle's catalytic with a unique code. This code is then registered in an accredited database connecting your unique code to your vehicle. The sticker is meant to break into pieces if attempted to be removed. Additionally, the label etches the metal with the unqiue code so that even if a sticker was removed, the code would remain. Once a catalytic is marked with a CatGauard label, the hope is that a thief notices the marking, realizing the catalytic converter is identifiable and chooses not to steal it. It also assists investigators with evidence of theft should a suspect be arrested with posession of a catalytic converter.
Bobby and Steve's Auto World locations in Bloomington are partnering with the city and the MN Commerce Department on this program and will apply labels to the top 15 vehicles that are most targeted for catalytic converter theft or on vehicles that have previously had thieves steal the catalytic converter. There is no charge for the label installation, but an appointment is required.
Top 15 targeted vehicles:
- Chevrolet Express
- Ford Econoline
- Ford F250
- Honda Accord
- Honda CRV
- Honda Element
- Honda Odyssey
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sportage
- Mitsubishi Eclipse
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota Tundra
To contact Bobby and Steve's Auto World:
494/France Location:
7920 France Ave S., Bloomington.
https://bobbyandstevesautoworld.com/bloomington-location/
952-831-8833
Normandale/Old Shakopee Rd Location:
10740 Normandale Rd.
https://bobbyandstevesautoworld.com/west-bloomington/
952-881-1024
Looking for more information?:
- For more information on the CatGuard label, click the link here.
- For more information on MN Commerce Catalytic Converter Program, click the link here.
- Bloomington Police Department webinar on Catalytic Converter Theft can be found here.