Catalytic Convertor Theft Prevention Event Today

SENATOR SCARCELLA-SPANTON TO HOST FREE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT PREVENTION EVENT IN SOUTHERN BROOKLYN WITH BROOKLYN DA 

STATEN ISLAND, NY – On Saturday, November 4, 2023 State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (SD 23-Staten Island/Southern Brooklyn), in collaboration with Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, will be hosting a FREE Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention event.

Catalytic converter theft has surged across the nation, posing a significant public safety challenge in our neighborhoods. In the unfortunate event that a vehicle’s catalytic converter is stolen, the New York Police Department (NYPD) now has the capability to track and return it to its rightful owner.

To prevent stolen converters from being accepted at scrap yards, vehicle owners are encouraged to have etchings or stencils applied to their catalytic converters. This simple yet effective measure should take no longer than eight minutes per vehicle.

“Protecting our community is a shared responsibility, and I’m so glad to be partnering with DA Gonzalez and the NYPD for this event. Now that the NYPD has a way to track stolen converters, it’s so important that we utilize this system to reduce catalytic converter theft. But this event is not just about theft prevention. It is about giving Southern Brooklynites peace of mind and a sense of security when it comes to their personal property in the face of this rising public safety threat. Our united efforts will not only deter thieves but also send a clear message: we will continue to take proactive steps to protect our constituents,” said Senator Scarcella-Spanton.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “My office is committed to protecting every Brooklyn resident and their property and we are using every tool to achieve this goal. Saturday’s theft prevention event can ensure that those who may be victimized by catalytic converter theft will be able to recover their property, and it also helps with preventing future crimes by allowing us to more effectively bring offenders to justice and to disincentivize them from perpetrating future thefts. I am grateful for State Senator Scarcella-Spanton and the NYPD for their ongoing partnership and I encourage every car owner to take advantage of this free opportunity to proactively secure their vehicles.”

The event will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Manhattan Beach parking lot (1018 Oriental Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11235). Etching services are provided free of charge and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone requiring further information can contact Senator Scarcella-Spanton’s office via email at [email protected] or via phone at 718-484-3216.

Senator Scarcella-Spanton was appointed as Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, and is a member of the Committees on Civil Service and Pensions, Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Disabilities, Insurance, Labor, and Women’s Issues

Banner Image: Mechanic. Image Credit – Jimmy Nilsson Masth

State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton