Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention

The Bayport Police Department is hosting a free catalytic converter theft prevention event on June 25, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Bayport Public Works Facility (98 2nd Ave. South). 

With the increase in catalytic converter thefts in the state, the Minnesota Legislature created the catalytic converter theft prevention pilot program in 2021. The intent of the program is to deter the theft of catalytic converters by marking them with unique identification numbers that permanently mark the catalytic converter.  The Bayport Police Department is one of the police departments in MN participating in this pilot program.

The MN Commerce Fraud Bureau administers this program and chose the CATGUARD Label Solution as the primary method for marking catalytic converters. The labels are installed by sticking the label onto a - cool to the touch - catalytic converter. A fluid is then painted onto the label, which, once a vehicle is started, causes the unique number to be etched into the metal. Once registered, the unique number allows law enforcement to trace a converter back to a specific vehicle if a converter were to be stolen and later recovered.

The law requires the labels to be installed at no cost to vehicle owners. Businesses cannot charge for the installation of the program label, but they can require another service, e.g., oil change, be performed to install a label.

If you own one of the top 15 most targeted vehicles or if your catalytic converter has been (or attempted to have been) stolen, you can get a free catalytic converter marking label from a participating law enforcement agency, business, or community organization. Some police departments are providing the labels but are not installing them for residents. The Bayport Police Department has elected to help install the labels for free at this event to make sure the labels are correctly installed.

For more information on the pilot program and a list of the most targeted vehicles, visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce website.