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Move over cattle branding,  here comes converter etching. Or a tattoo for your exhaust?

Richland Police publicize VIN etching event June 4

Saturday June 4, at Myers Auto Tech on Canal Drive in Kennewick, you can have your vehicle's VIN number (vehicle identification number) etched securely onto your catalytic converter.

As we have seen, converter thefts are skyrocketing due to their value in the recycle market. According to RPD:

"Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise lately due to the high price of precious metals contained within them (platinum, rhodium and palladium)."

So, one of the ways to combat theft is to have your VIN number etched into the unit.

The vehicles most hit by these thefts are, according to RPD:

"Toyota, Honda, and Lexus vehicles are the top targets for catalytic converter thieves right now. In 2020, the most common cars targeted were the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, and Honda Accord."

The etching event is hosted by CCM-Cat Security, a company that offers shields to help prevent theft of the converters.

Police also advise, if you wish, to paint your converter a bright color.  They say a brightly painted converter is an indicator it's been etched or otherwise 'tagged' and it's too much trouble for thieves to scrape off all the paint and they will likely not take it.

The event is Saturday, June 4th, at Meyers Auto Tech at 1120 North Grant St. just off Canal in Kennewick. The event is from 9AM to 1PM.

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