Photo: Courtesy of the Watertown Police Department
WATERTOWN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — In an effort to combat the spiking number of catalytic converter thefts, the Watertown Police Department has offered free vehicle service to its residents intended to deter criminals.
The WPD posted a YouTube video explaining the procedure and mechanical work that can be done to vehicles to prevent thefts. Measures include painting the catalytic converter itself with a brand that reads "Property of Watertown Police," along with a steel plate layered over the car part.
The program comes as a collaboration between the WPD and Toyota of Watertown and at Cronin Signs, as police say most of the thefts are committed against older model Toyota Prius models. Police say they hope that by branding the car part, thieves will be discouraged to cut the converter out, especially since the watermark would affect its potential resale on the market. According to officials it can cost thousands of dollars to replace a stolen converter.
"Our hope is that this will cut down on the theft in Watertown, and prevent this from happening. This will be a free service to our Watertown residents," Lieutenant James O'Connor said.
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The catalytic converters are spray painted with the logo through a stencil and are not serialized.
Watertown residents interested in participating can contact the police department and set up appointments for late November. Police say the paint job is available for any make and model of vehicle.
WBZ's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.
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