LPD now requiring permits for catalytic converters sales to decrease thefts

LINCOLN, Neb. - The Lincoln Police Department is now requiring a permit for people buying and selling catalytic converters.

It’s an effort to stop thieves from cutting them from cars and costing people a lot of money. LPD said for every stolen catalytic converter, it costs the victim $1,000.

Assistant Chief Brian Jackson said thieves stealing catalytic converters is a crime of opportunity and officers are hoping to curb this crime. According to LPD, on average 80 catalytic converter thefts happen a month, which is roughly 2.63 per day. LPD reports that this crime costs $780,000 in loss or damage to Lincoln citizens a year to date.

The new ordinance requires people to apply for and receive a special permit to buy and sell catalytic converters. Assistant Chief Jackson said the permit costs $5 and once someone has a permit, they can essentially sell, scrap or do anything they’d like with the catalytic converter.

Assistant Chief Jackson said the permit includes opportunities for people who do not have a permit yet or have a work order. The permit is also good for a certain amount of time and will expire each year on July 31st.