Title
Ordinance of the City of South San Francisco adding Chapter 10.74 to Title 10 (Public Peace, Morals and Safety) of the South San Francisco Municipal Code to prohibit the unlawful possession of used catalytic converters in the City and establishing penalties for violation.
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WHEREAS, catalytic converter thefts have increased in South San Francisco over the past three years, with 75 reported incidents in 2020, 296 reported incidents in 2021, and 137 reported incidents since the beginning of 2022; and
WHEREAS, catalytic converter thefts continue to rise because individuals are incentivized to commit catalytic converter thefts for multiple reasons including, but not limited to: (1) the ease and undetectable nature of committing the thefts in a matter of seconds using common tools such as a reciprocating saw, (2) the ability to recycle catalytic converters at scrap metal yards for high dollar returns ranging from $200 to $1,200 per catalytic converter, and (3) loopholes in legislation protecting criminals from prosecution unless a victim can be identified; and
WHEREAS, finding a victim of catalytic converter thefts upon recovery of a catalytic converter is nearly impossible due to the fact that catalytic converters generally have no identifying markers; and
WHEREAS, lawmakers have recognized that catalytic converter theft is a growing problem that imposes both serious financial harm on, and impacts on the mobility of, California motorists who fall victim to this crime; and
WHEREAS, individuals who steal catalytic converters recycle them for substantial profit while victims of these thefts suffer economic and other consequences, including missing work or school upon discovering their catalytic converter has been stolen, paying thousands of dollars in repairs for parts and labor costs, the time and inconvenience of repairing their vehicles, and feeling unsafe in the community; and
WHEREAS, individuals who steal catalytic converters often do so overni...
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