View Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Police Department
Mike Ceynowa, Chief of Police
2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
DATE: 6/16/2022
SUBJECT: DPD Expands Catalytic Converter Initiative
BY: Mattie Hjelseth, Duluth Police Department Public Information Officer
NATURE OF INCIDENT:
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SUBJECT: DPD Expands Catalytic Converter Initiative
BY: Mattie Hjelseth, Duluth Police Department Public Information Officer
NATURE OF INCIDENT:
CASE NO.:
INCIDENT DATE:
INCIDENT TIME:
INCIDENT LOCATION:
DPD Expands Catalytic Converter Initiative
Minnesota has one of the highest theft rates of catalytic converters in the nation, and the Duluth Police Department is continuing to make efforts to deter thieves from stealing them.
"DPD is now offering people in our community an identification label kit to not only aid in the tracking of stolen catalytic converters, but also help deter thieves from stealing them in the first place," said Auto Theft Investigator Morgan Cekalla. "This kit has an identification label that is traceable to the VIN of your vehicle, which helps officers trace the converter if stolen."
There are 110 free kits available at the Public Safety Building at 2030 N Arlington Ave during business hours (M - F, 8 - 4:30). The kit is free, but they must be registered at the time of retrieval and it’s on a first come first serve basis. Community Service Officer-Interns will explain to you how to register the kits upon retrieval. The public will need their VIN and license plate number to register.
You can install these labels yourself, or you can take your vehicle to four auto body shops that've partnered with DPD to put these labels on. It's a free service that won't damage your vehicle. These auto body shops include Kenwood Muffler and Brake (1508 Kenwood Avenue), 4th Street Auto (1118 E 4th St), Thompson's T-Express (210 S 27th Ave W), and Allstar Service Center (329 E Central Entrance).
If you have the following type of vehicle, you’re encouraged to get an identification label kit: Chevrolet Express, Ford Econoline, Ford F250, Honda Accord, Honda CRV, Honda Element, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Tundra. Those who've already been a victim of catalytic converter theft, regardless of vehicle type, are strongly encouraged to receive a kit.
"Catalytic converters continue to be stolen because they contain precious metals worth up to $1,600 and this is a simple thing we can do to deter criminals and reduce theft," said Investigator Cekalla.
For more information on the Catalytic Converter Initiative at the Duluth Police Department, you're encouraged to go here:
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