Police are holding a catalytic converter etching event on November 3rd

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Etch & Catch program is offering a catalytic converter etching session on Sunday, November 3rd. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the Fitzgerald Auto Mall, 11411 Rockville Pike, Rockville.

To participate, residents must make an appointment by Friday, October 18th. Contact Officer Demond Johnson at 240-773-6727, 240-773-6728 or email [email protected].

The “Etch & Catch” program, launched in March 2023, aims to reduce catalytic converter theft. According to Officer Johnson, these thefts often occur in less than a minute. “They last between 30 and 40 seconds, and the criminals are back and forth,” he said.

Catalytic converter theft is a national trend. Etching your catalytic converter can prevent theft and help law enforcement identify stolen catalytic converters. Please consider having your vehicle’s catalytic converter etched on Sunday, November 3rd. RSVP with Ofc Johnson. @mcpnews pic.twitter.com/Uqaf8WiUn4

— 2D Commander (@2dCommander) October 2, 2024

The program etches an identification number into the vehicle’s catalytic converter. This number is registered in a database and helps the police track the part in the event of theft. Any tampering with the label is detectable and provides an additional theft deterrent.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Officer Johnson.

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Police launch free catalytic converter etching to combat thefts