Silver Lake vehicle owners turned out in full force to take advantage of LAPD’s first VIN (vehicle identification number) catalytic converter etching, which took place in Silver Lake on April 6. The free etching, co-sponsored by LAPD’s Northeast Division, CD 13 Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and Silver Lake Together, was created by LAPD to protect vehicle owners from the theft of catalytic converters that contain platinum and other precious metals.
According to the L.A. Times, “…in the event a converter is stolen, the etched-on VINs help law enforcement build a case against a thief and could deter recycling business from processing the stolen parts or looking the other way.” This year, just under 200 catalytic converters were reported as stolen in the Northeast Division, which includes Atwater Village, Silver Lake, Highland Park and Eagle Rock.
Silver Lake’s Senior Lead Officer Jose Ramirez reported that 120 vehicles were etched on the 6th. Based on the success of the first event, the Northeast Division plans to offer free etching once a month and expects the Eagle Rock neighborhood will be next.
Read the LA Times article on the event here.