SCV Sheriff’s Station to host free catalytic converter etching events

Hoping to assist the community and decrease local thefts, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station officials have announced their plans to hold a number of free catalytic converter etching events this month for residents.

The process of “etching,” law enforcement officials said, involves getting your vehicle’s license plate number etched onto its catalytic converter, a process that deputies say helps them later locate the original owner in the event it is stolen and recovered.

“(Catalytic converter etching events) are important because if your catalytic converter is stolen and later recovered by our deputies, they can identify who the catalytic converter belongs to so that they can be returned,” Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff’s Station, said on Wednesday. “Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, so hopefully this also helps save money for the car owner, while helping deputies identify a victim to the crime.”

Although not yet publicly listing the exact dates for when the events will be held, Arriaga said that there will be a number of opportunities for residents to participate, and to receive a date and time to bring their car in they simply need to call the station directly.

In a flier distributed by the SCV Sheriff’s Station and the station’s partner in the event, RG’s Brakes and Alignment, event organizers said one vehicle will be permitted per household and an appointment is required to take advantage of the free service.

To request an appointment or to receive more information about the event, residents may email Deputy Kabrina Borbon at ka1borbo@lasd.org.

“Availability is limited and on a first come, first serve basis,” the flier read.