There have been 560 catalytic converter thefts reported in Saint Paul this year—an average of almost six a day.
On Saturday, April 10, the Saint Paul Police Department will be holding a drive-through “auto clinic” to help drivers make their exhaust emission control devices a little less appealing to thieves.
The SPPD Auto Care Clinic will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the North Lot of Allianz Field Stadium (400 Snelling Ave. N.). Members of the police department’s Community Engagement Unit and Crimes Against Property Unit will be on hand to mark catalytic converters and install theft-prevention screws in license plates.
The goal of the clinic is to help drivers protect two frequently stolen items: catalytic converters and license plates.
Marked catalytic converters are less desirable to thieves because many scrapyards won’t purchase the devices if they’re marked. In addition, thieves often steal license plates and put them on stolen vehicles in efforts to evade police. The anti-theft screws make them more difficult to steal.
The event is free and open to the public.
Registration is encouraged but not required: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d375bd1eb8a346e4b4f6673eda26cb22.
Please note, this event will only be held if it does not rain. Watch the police department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts Saturday morning to see if the clinic has been postponed.