Oxnard | Catalytic Converter Etching Event- May 1, 2021

In an effort to stop the theft of catalytic converters, the Oxnard Police Department has teamed up with local auto repair businesses and DRAGG (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti) to etch and spray your catalytic converter with your license plate number and an Oxnard Police Department logo. 

The Oxnard Police Department has partnered with the below-listed businesses to offer the etching service for free during their normal operating hours. This will be done by appointment only.  The partnering businesses listed below will start accepting appointments starting on May 1, 2021:

 AV Tire Service       (805) 385-1192                     1610 South Oxnard Boulevard

A kickoff event hosted by members of the Oxnard Police Department and DRAGG will take place on Saturday, May 1st, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the DRAGG facility located at 300 Graves Avenue in the city of Oxnard. This service is offered for free to Oxnard residents.  The Oxnard Police Department anticipates being able to service 20-30 vehicles during the kickoff event.  If you are unable to attend the event or are limited on time, residents should make an appointment with one of our partnering automotive shops. 

The Oxnard Police Department would like to thank all of the automotive repair businesses for partnering with us to offer this program.  If you own or operate an automotive repair shop and would like to offer this service to the community, please reach out to Detective Alvarez at (805) 385-7664.

The following are tips that you can use to protect your catalytic converter from theft:

• Park your vehicle inside a secured garage, secured yard or parked in a way to prevent access to the undercarriage (especially for fleet vehicles).
• If parking in a driveway, be sure to have motion lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway as a deterrent.
• If available, be sure to park in areas that are covered by video surveillance.
• A car alarm equipped with a vehicle motion detector will also be helpful.
• Check with your insurance company regarding catalytic converter theft as many insurance companies do cover such a theft under comprehensive coverage plans.
• Research catalytic converter anti-theft devices and weigh the pros and cons of having one installed. 

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be “Partners in Public Safety.”  Anyone with information regarding catalytic converter thefts is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or Detective Enrique Alvarez (805) 385-7664.