TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Anthony Conrad, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Tiffany Israel, City Attorney
SUBJECT:
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Second Reading - Catalytic Converter Possession Municipal Codes
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RECOMMENDATION
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Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 606-24 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Amending Title 9 of the Murrieta Municipal Code to Establish a New Chapter 9.35 to Set Forth Regulations Defining and Prohibiting the Unlawful Possession of Detached Catalytic Converters in the City of Murrieta and Adoption of Exemption From CEQA.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On August 20, 2024, the City Council conducted the first reading and introduced Ordinance No. 606-24.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
BACKGROUND
The theft of catalytic converters has been an increasing problem throughout Southern California in recent years, with the City of Murrieta experiencing at least six thefts per month. A catalytic converter lies between a car's engine and its exhaust pipe. It is part of a car's exhaust-system that causes conversion of harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide) into mostly harmless products (such as water and carbon dioxide). The external location of catalytic converters and the use of valuable precious metals, including rhodium, palladium, and platinum, make these devices a target for thieves. Individuals in possession of stolen catalytic converters often recycle them for substantial profit, while victims of these thefts suffer the consequences of paying thousands of dollars in repairs, the inconvenience of repairing their vehicles, and feeling unsafe in the community.
Local agencies in California, and especially Riverside County, have begun to pass similar ordinances to assist law enforcement in holding individuals accountable for their crimes. The purpose and intent of this Ordinance is to curb the theft of catalyti...
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