Waite Park Police Offer Labels To Track Stolen Catalytic Converters

(KNSI) – Waite Park police are offering the owners of the 15 most commonly targeted vehicles for catalytic converter thefts a special tracking number.

The department got a supply of CATGUARD labels from the Minnesota Department of Commerce to be placed on catalytic converters. The label is like a serial number for your catalytic converter. The label is placed on a catalytic converter and once the vehicle is started, the number will be etched into the converter’s metal. Police say the label must be placed on a cool to the touch catalytic converter. If it is hot, it will not work.

When a person picks up a label, they will register a unique code and contact information. The vehicle’s VIN and license plate number are needed for registration. The data can be reported to police if the catalytic converter is stolen. The database can then be used to see if the converter was recycled or resold.

Since the labels were purchased through a grant, Waite Park is currently handing out labels to owners of the top 15 vehicle that thieves target. They are:

Chevy Express
Ford Econoline & F250
Honda Accord, CRV, Element and Odyssey
Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson
Kia Sportage
Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer and Outlander
Toyota Prius and Tundra

Waite Park residents can stop into the police department between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to pick up a label.

If you have questions, please call or email Alicia Mages at 320-251-7393 or alicia.mages@ci.waiteparkpd.mn.us

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