Authorities Looking for This Toyota, Related to Converter Theft

Benton County Deputies are searching for this Toyota.

  Vehicle wanted in connected with alleged catalytic converter theft

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Investigators didn't say how many, or when and where the thefts occurred, but did share these images.

The Toyota appears to be light blue or silver, BCSO says it has black wheels and a temporary paper plate tag.

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They used the plural word "thieves," so apparently more suspects. Anyone with any information is urged to call (509)-628-0333. All leads can be confidential.

  Did legislature pass new converter crime laws?

  The state legislature did pass overwhelmingly, without a single no vote, new laws making converter theft less lucrative. Among the most effective methods of the bill include:

• Limits cash payments for a sold converter (scrap) to $30, the rest is done by check or electronic funds transfer (so it can be tracked)
• Requires scrapyards to keep records of where it came from, who brought it in etc.
• It requires scrapyards and recyclers to establish vehicle ownership (where the converter came from) before buying and giving out money.

However, the legislation stopped short of making it a felony.   Although it's been signed into law, we're not entirely sure how many of these practices have been put in place yet.