In an effort to deter would-be thieves and to track stolen catalytic converters, the Fillmore Police Department has teamed up with several local auto repair shops. The below listed businesses have agreed to etch your license plate number and paint a Sheriff’s star on your catalytic converter, free of charge. Our goal is to deter a potential thief who might be planning to steal your catalytic converter. As soon as they see the painted Sheriff’s star and engraved license plate number, they will hopefully leave your car alone. If your catalytic converter is stolen, law enforcement or a scrap yard will be able to recognize the catalytic converter as stolen based on the markings. You can make an “Etch and Catch” appointment at any of the below locations in the city of Fillmore:
Ernie’s Auto Care & Smog
460 Ventura St.
(805) 524-4477
De La Rosa Auto Repair
665 Ventura St.
(805) 524-0368
Fillmore Auto Electric & Tune
405 Central Ave.
(805) 524-7333
Bob’s Radiator Shop
562 Santa Clara St.
(805) 524-2526
When you call for your appointment, make sure to mention it is for the “Etch and Catch” program.
We would like to thank all of our “Etch and Catch” participating shops. Without their help, this program would not be possible. As a community, we need to work together to prevent crime, and these shops have gone above and beyond in their efforts. The next time you are at a local auto repair shop, check for the “Fillmore Police Department Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Program – Member” sticker to see if they are a participant of this program. See attached photograph of the sticker.
Between 1/1/2020 and 2/18/2021, the top 10 vehicles targeted for catalytic converter thefts in Ventura County Sheriff’s jurisdictions have been:
- Toyota Prius
- Ford F250
- Honda Element
- Ford F350
- Honda Accord
- Ford Econoline
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Chevrolet Express
- Chevrolet Astro Van
- Ford Excursion
Many people have asked what they can do to help protect their vehicles. Here are some tips to help prevent catalytic converter theft:
- Make an appointment to have your license plate number engraved and Sheriff’s star painted on your catalytic converter at one of the above listed “Etch and Catch” program locations.
- Park in a secured garage when possible or in a well-lit area with surveillance cameras and/or where the vehicle will be seen by a passerby.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting to illuminate driveways used for parking.
- Consider adding security cameras to oversee driveway and on-street parking areas.
- Research catalytic converter anti-theft devices and weigh the pros and cons of having one installed.
We are asking for our community’s help to prevent catalytic converter thefts. If you hear strange noises during the night, such as power tools or sawing, if you see a vehicle driving suspiciously slow through your neighborhood or stopped at the side of the road, if you see or hear ANYTHING out of the ordinary, please call Sheriff’s Dispatch at 911 or (805) 654-9511. Often times, cases are solved when an observant resident calls when something does not seem quite right.
For more information on the program click on video link: https://bit.ly/3uS59xL.
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