VENTURA, Calif. – In a unanimous decision aimed at enhancing public safety and curbing property crime, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a new ordinance regulating the possession of catalytic converters in the County’s unincorporated areas. This proactive measure follows the Board’s directive for County Counsel to work with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to develop a local solution in response to the nationwide surge in catalytic converter thefts.
The new ordinance makes it illegal for individuals who are not licensed recyclers to possess unattached catalytic converters without valid proof of ownership. Violations will be considered a misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
“Catalytic converter theft has left too many of our residents and business owners feeling frustrated and vulnerable,” stated 4th District Supervisor Janice Parvin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This ordinance is a common-sense step that closes a legal loophole and helps law enforcement do their job more effectively. Our goal is to protect the public, support safer neighborhoods, and make it clear that Ventura County takes these crimes seriously.”
Catalytic converter thefts have spiked dramatically in recent years due to the high value of metals like rhodium, palladium, and platinum found in catalytic converters. These devices can be stolen from cars in under a minute and sold for up to $1,200, leaving victims with costly repairs and long delays due to supply chain issues. Although state legislation has helped reduce thefts somewhat, it has not given local law enforcement sufficient authority to act when no identifiable victim can be found.
“This ordinance gives our deputies an important tool to hold criminals accountable and prevent catalytic converter thefts before they happen,” said Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff. “Now, we can take action immediately to protect our residents and send a clear message that this crime will not be tolerated in Ventura County.”
The Ventura County ordinance aims to fill the enforcement gap by giving deputies the legal grounds to seize catalytic converters and pursue criminal charges even when a vehicle owner cannot be immediately identified. Other jurisdictions across California, including Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, have passed similar ordinances in response to the crime trend.
In Ventura County, the ordinance will go into effect 30 days after its adoption.
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