CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT

Due to a recent surge in applications for both the Shield and Painting & Etching Programs, residents may experience delays in getting their applications approved. All applications are typically reviewed and approved within 3-7 business days

Catalytic converter theft continues to occur nationwide because these components contain precious metals with high recycling values. Although they are being stolen from various makes and models, Orange County Sheriff’s Department data shows Toyota Priuses, Honda Accords, and Honda Elements are the most common vehicle types targeted.

Protect yourself from being a victim by:

Parking in a secure garage or well-lit area
Installing motion-activated lights around your home
Using video surveillance cameras
Installing a catalytic converter clamp or shield
Etching your vehicle’s VIN or license plate number on the converter for identification if stolen

Lake Forest was among the first cities in Orange County to pass specific ordinances to make it easier to arrest and prosecute catalytic converter thieves. Please call 911 immediately if you believe a catalytic converter theft is in progress. It only takes seconds to steal one!

Catalytic Converter Theft Mitigation Programs

On October 4, 2022, the City Council approved two programs to help protect residents from catalytic converter theft. The Catalytic Converter Painting & Etching Program (“P&E Program”) reimburses local automotive shops $125 to paint and etch the catalytic converters of certain vehicles subject to catalytic converter theft. The Catalytic Converter Shield Program (“Shield Program”) provides residents with a $250 gift card towards the purchase and installation of a catalytic converter theft mitigation shield at a local automotive shop. The City is now accepting applications from residents and local business owners with fleet vehicles who desire to have their vehicles protected from catalytic converter theft.

If you are a local automotive repair business interested in participating in one of the programs below by providing painting and etching or shield installation services, click here for information on how to apply.

Catalytic Converter Painting and Etching Program

Under the Painting & Etching (“P&E”) Program, residents and local businesses with fleet vehicles can apply to have their catalytic converters painted and etched for free. Painting and etching your catalytic converter can help deter thieves and assist law enforcement in prosecuting criminals that steal the valuable part. Painting and etching services are provided by Lake Forest businesses that have signed up to participate in the program. Residents that have vehicles on the City’s List of Frequently Targeted Vehicles for Catalytic Converter Theft or a vehicle with a catalytic converter that is accessible by thieves via the vehicle undercarriage are eligible to participate. Not all vehicles have catalytic converters that are exposed from the undercarriage. Vehicles must be registered to a Lake Forest address via DMV registration to participate. First, residents must apply to the program by filling out the Program application below. Once approved, residents may use their approved application to schedule an appointment at any one of the participating businesses to have the painting and etching service performed. Approved applications expire three months from the date of approval.

List of Frequently Targeted Vehicles

P&E Program Application

Participating Businesses

Catalytic Converter Shield Program

Under the Shield Program, residents can apply to receive a $250 gift card towards the purchase and installation of a catalytic converter theft deterrent shield. This helps residents offset the costs of purchasing and installing the device on their vehicle by a participating business. Only vehicles registered to a Lake Forest address via DMV registration are eligible to participate. Residents are advised to contact a participating business to determine what kind of shield is appropriate for their vehicle and determine the total cost (parts and labor) of installation. At this time, only shields provided by MillerCat or Get Cat Security are eligible. Once you’ve selected a shield and a participating business to install it, you must fill out a program application. Once approved, residents will receive an approved application form and an electronic gift card via email. The approved application form and gift card will be provided via separate emails. Next, residents are advised to schedule an installation date with a participating business. The gift card can be used towards the full cost of the installation. The gift card will only work at a participating business for the purpose of installing a catalytic converter shield. Other repair work may not be purchased with the gift card.