More than 153,000 catalytic converters were stolen from cars across the U.S. in 2022, according to a report from CARFAX. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority have partnered to give Boulder County residents a chance to reclaim their property if it happens to them.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is handing out free CatETCH labels to community members.
CatETCH labels etch a unique identifying number onto a car’s catalytic converter. This number allows law enforcement officers to return the pollution control device to its owner in the event it is discovered.
As part of the process, the number is entered into a federal database.
Residents can register up to three cars at a time via the county’s online registration link.
The registration process requires car owners to provide an email address, zip code, vehicle year, make and model, license plate number, vehicle identification number and the city where the resident lives, according to a news release from the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.
After registration, community members can schedule a time and location to pick up their CatETCH kits from the following places:
Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters
5600 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder
Town of Superior Sheriff’s Office Substation
405 Center Drive, Unit F, Superior
Town of Lyons Sheriff’s Office Substation
430 5th Ave, Lyons
The CatETCH kits can be applied by the car owner or a licensed mechanic. Boulder County has supplied a few local options that have agreed to install the kits.
Brakes Plus, Superior
90 McCaslin Boulevard, Superior
(720) 304-3343
Gateway Auto Services
1040 5th Avenue, Lyons
303-823-0516
Lyons Automotive
403 Broadway, Lyons
303-823-6760
West Main Auto & Tire
505 West Main Street, Lyons
303-823-0106
Some additional costs could be associated with the installation so the county advises car owners to call ahead. However, estimates range from free installation to a $25 fee.
A spokesperson at Brakes Plus, Superior suggests making an appointment with a local mechanic and to plan on leaving your vehicle at the shop for several hours. He said the catalytic converter needs to be cool in order for the etching to work and to ensure the safety of the mechanic.
