During its regular meeting on Aug. 16, 2022, The Colony City Council approved an amendment to the Code of Ordinances regarding possession of used catalytic converters in The Colony.
Moving forward, anyone found by law enforcement in possession of a catalytic converter that has been removed from a vehicle must provide documentation proving ownership of the vehicle from which the part was removed, or proof of lawful transfer of the catalytic converter from the motor vehicle’s owner. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $500.
The Colony Police Chief David Coulon said catalytic-converter theft has become a common crime throughout the state. There had been 62 catalytic converter thefts this year in The Colony as of Aug. 16.
Despite the complexity of the state’s requirements to legally recycle them, criminals continue to steal catalytic converters for the value of their precious metals. Per the new ordinance, anyone found in possession of chopped-off catalytic converters who are unable to prove ownership will receive a ticket, and the parts will be seized. The defendant will then have the opportunity to come to court and claim legal ownership.
“This is another tool to give to the officers,” Coulon said. “If we pull someone over on a traffic stop and we see a bunch of catalytic converters in the truck, we all know they’ve been stolen, especially if they’ve been chopped off.
“If they’re on their way to a legitimate scrapper, they have all the documentation because it’s required. If they don’t have it, that’s obviously a big clue. This will give officers a little extra help to do what they can.”