The surge in auto thefts in North Jersey has been driven in part by thieves looking to steal catalytic converters because of the price of precious metals, like palladium and platinum, that are used in the parts.
As part of his administration’s plan to stem the tide of auto thefts across the state, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a bill that is focused on making it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen catalytic converters to scrap yards and making it easier for law enforcement to identify, locate, and prosecute violators.
“We take seriously the safety of our residents and communities and will continue to confront this issue head on to further the tremendous progress we have made in reducing auto thefts,” said Murphy in a statement after the bill was signed May 15. “Addressing catalytic converter theft is another method of combating auto theft and crime in our state.”
Combatting Auto Thefts
The new law builds is the latest initiative by the Murphy Administration to reduce auto theft that included pursuing a persistent auto theft offender statute and making possession and distribution of certain auto theft tools a crime. Additionally, Murphy announced $10 million for automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology last April to reduce violent crime and auto theft in New Jersey through the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) State Fiscal Recovery Fund.
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin said during budget hearings this year that car thefts were down from record highs reached last year and one of the reasons for the drops was the auto theft task force headed by New Jersey State Troopers as well as resources and staffing being boosted.
Catalytic Converter Law
Murphy noted the financial impact on residents from the thefts as they are forced to pay thousands of dollars to replace them.
The bill implements certain criteria concerning the sale and purchase of catalytic converters, including:
- amend the definition of “scrap metal” to explicitly include all or part of a used catalytic converter that is not attached to a motor vehicle;
- strengthen the verification of ownership in the process of selling used catalytic converters to scrap metal businesses by requiring the business to document the VIN, the certificate of title or registration, a receipt from a repair transaction, or a bill of sale at the time of purchase, and imposing fines on businesses that violate this requirement; and
- allow only for scrap metal businesses to purchase used catalytic converters from persons other than a seller, that is a registered business that in the course of its regular business, collects, stores, or sells catalytic converters or other vehicle parts.
Platkin, Callahan Support
Murphy’s two top law enforcement officials said the bill offers them more resources to combat auto and catalytic converters thefts in New Jersey.
“With today’s bill signing, Gov. Phil Murphy fortifies our battle against auto thefts in New Jersey,” said Platkin. “Together, we send a resounding message: we stand united in safeguarding our communities and will utilize all available tools to combat auto theft.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, added that the new law “represents a significant step in assisting law enforcement officers throughout the state to reduce auto thefts and the illegal sale of catalytic converters.”
Bill Sponsored by Pou
State Sen. Nellie Pou (D-35), lead sponsor of the bill, said catalytic converter thefts have plagued our state for too long, leaving residents unable to drive their cars and creating an immediate need for major repair.
“This legislation will make it tougher for thieves to resell the stolen parts, or realize a profit, and will discourage the theft altogether,” said Pou.
The new law takes effect immediately.
Interesting; the information about the automatic license plate recognition is buried; I guess that IS old news, as it was apparently done last April, but that level of surveillance generally done by private contractors who sell the data in addition to collecting whatever payments they get from the state (or other governmental entity) is troublesome. I guess I have to face that we live in a police state, but I will never stop objecting and trying to limit intrusion (and note that information about such increases are generally not well-reported, making timely objection difficult).