NYPD, D.A. to host free catalytic converter etching on Staten Island Friday

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Islanders will have the opportunity to safeguard their vehicles’ catalytic converters at a theft-prevention event hosted by the NYPD and District Attorney Michael E. McMahon on Friday.

The free event will take place at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, 625 Father Capodanno Blvd. from 2 to 6 p.m.

Each attendee will have their cars’ catalytic converters engraved with a unique serial number that will then be entered into the NYPD’s “CatGuard” database. This will help police track down the item if it is stolen and also aid in the prosecution of thieves who swipe the pricey automobile part.

For more information, contact James Clinton at [email protected] or Lt. Rafet Awad at [email protected].

The event is open on a first-come-first-served basis.

ONGOING ISSUE ON STATEN ISLAND

The value of a catalytic converter at a scrapyard was priced at approximately $200 and could be as expensive as $1,000 for rare car models, industry experts said last year. Theft victims incur costs by having to pay for towing and $2,000 to $3,000 for a repairs, according to law-enforcement officials.

The Advance/SILive.com has chronicled a series of catalytic converter thefts over the past several years, including some incidents captured on video that were completed within seconds.

—

OTHER STATEN ISLAND NEWS

>> NYPD: Man stabbed at bodega on Staten Island; woman sought for questioning

>> Woman reportedly groped by stranger at bus stop on Staten Island, NYPD says

>> NYPD seeks tips after worker is punched in robbery at tire shop on Staten Island

>> Man, 46, with Staten Island ties reported missing in Newark

>>