Responding to a surge of catalytic converter thefts, the Los Angeles Police Department has unveiled new technology that will make it harder for thieves to steal the valuable emission control device.
The Los Angeles police have already held events for people to have their cars' vehicle identification numbers etched by hand onto their catalytic converters to make it easier to track the car parts if they get stolen.
Now, the department is introducing a new Insta-Etch marking device that will engrave all of the digits automatically through a high-temperature spray paint, according to an LAPD news release. The device was obtained via grant funds, is hand-held, portable and Bluetooth-enabled.
