SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Recyclable metal dealers will have to keep more records before accepting catalytic converters, thanks to an Illinois law going into effect in the new year.
The new legislation will require recyclable metal dealers keep a record of the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the catalytic converter itself. Additionally, any potential seller must provide a copy of the certificate of title or registration to show ownership of the vehicle the catalytic converter was removed from.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias advocated for the law going into effect on January 1. He believes that will greatly help law enforcement to make it easier to investigate any potential crimes.
"For far too long it has been far too easy for thieves to steal and resell catalytic converters from the vehicles of law-abiding Illinoisans," Giannoulias said in a news release. "This legislation will deter theft and expedite law enforcement investigations by requiring scrap metal dealers to keep detailed records of the parts they purchase."
Catalytic converter theft leaves victims with hundreds to thousands of dollars in needed repairs to the vehicle. The converters contain precious metals which has skyrocketed the value of them, and increased the incentive for thieves to steal them.
Data provided by Giannoulias’ office shows catalytic converter theft spiked 288% from 2020 to 2022.
You can read the law’s full language here on the Illinois General Assembly’s website.
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via WCIA.com https://www.wcia.com
December 24, 2024 at 11:30AM
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