Catalytic Converter theft has become an epidemic. Many shops are having 5 to 10 vehicles a day come in with them having been stolen. Catalytic converter theft is so easy that it only takes about 30 seconds to remove one from most vehicles many of which do not have to be lifted off the ground. Thief's can get anywhere from $25 to $400 for a converter from a metal recycler who have no real incentive to deny any buying any or even ask questions. With how fast and easy it is to remove them thiefs can make thousands in a single nights. This can be devastating financially to the victims as repairs can get over $1000. With unemployment skyrocketing thefts will only increase and the economic fallout will only get worse as people either temporarily or permanently loose thier ability to travel, search for jobs, make it to interviews and so forth. So I asked that the following be done in Minnesota.

Outlaw the independent purchase of used Catalytic Converters. Allow one metal recycler in the state to accept used Catalytic Converters only from licensed Mechanics and Auto Part shops. Require all auto parts dealers to charge a core fee for all converter sales to not mechanic shops that requires the converter to be returned to them to get a refund. Require all shops to stamp installed Converters with VIN number of the vehicle that it is installed into. Make it a felony for any other metal recycler or other entity to accept catalytic converters outside of this prosses. Also make the purchase of catalytic converters from individuals result in permanent loss of business license. 

This will remove most of the incentive for thiefs to steal catalytic converters and remove the market place in Minnesota.