RIVERSIDE, Calif. (CNS) — The Board of Supervisors is slated Tuesday to consider an ordinance intended to crack down on catalytic converter thefts by establishing local regulations and penalties where none exist at the state level.

In June, board Chairman Kevin Jeffries and Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez jointly requested — with the full board’s support — that the county Executive Office draft a measure to punish catalytic converter theft, which Jefferies and Gutierrez described as one of “the fastest growing crimes in the country.”

“Currently, law enforcement cannot seize a catalytic converter found to be removed from a vehicle and in someone’s possession unless a victim can be identified,” the supervisors wrote. “Catalytic converter theft is very costly to victims of this crime, both in dollars and in the time and inconvenience of repairs, and have affected individuals, businesses and government agencies.”

According to the Executive Office, in 2022, there were about 200 reported converter thefts countywide, while the year-to-date number for the current year is 316, already 58% higher.

Other regions statewide have been plagued by converter thefts. Catalytic converters are used to filter emissions to cut down on the amount of pollutants discharged by cars and trucks. They are located within a vehicle’s exhaust system and average about $1,200 apiece.

Their components include metals like palladium, platinum and rhodium, all of which command per-ounce prices ranging from $1,000 to $14,000. Thieves take the converters to scrap metal dealers and sell them.

Ordinance No. 987 would make it a misdemeanor offense to unlawfully possess a catalytic converter detached from a vehicle. A person caught with one would have to provide “verifiable valid proof of ownership” or risk facing criminal charges.

Bills of sale, auto body shop documents indicating that the converter was removed by owner consent, email messages between the possessor and previous owner showing there was an agreement to relinquish the device, pictures of the vehicle from which the converter was removed and other evidence would be required to establish appropriate possession under the proposed ordinance.

Without the paper trail, a person caught with a converter could be slapped with fines between $1,000 and $5,000, as well as possibly spend up to a year in county jail.

The ordinance would only be applicable to unincorporated communities.

It is based on similar measures approved in San Bernardino County and the cities of Eastvale and Upland.

Ordinance No. 987 seeks to fill the void stemming from the absence of clear state provisions that address converter thefts, officials said.

If the board approves the proposal following Tuesday’s public hearing, it will return for a second reading and final approval in mid September.