VBPD Hosting Free Catalytic Converter Engraving Event on November 2

To help combat the theft of catalytic converters, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) is hosting a free Catalytic Converter Engraving event on Nov. 2, 2024.

The event will be held at London Bridge Baptist Church (2460 Potters Rd.) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those wishing to attend must reserve their appointment using this link. 

This is the second free engraving event that VBPD has held in 2024. The department engraved catalytic converters on 82 different vehicles in April of this year.

“We’re excited to host another event this year that allows our community to help prevent themselves from becoming victims,” said VBPD Police Chief Paul Neudigate. “This is another chance for us to work hand-in-hand with our residents to mitigate property crime in our city and help them protect their valuables.” 

Thanks to a partnership with the Virginia State Police and the Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) program, attendees will be able to have their vehicle identification number (VIN) engraved on their catalytic converter and have their VIN engraved into their windows. Both engravings take approximately 15 minutes. 

Catalytic converters are targeted due to their composition of precious metals. Engraving the VIN on a catalytic converter can help prevent it being sold to an auto parts recycler.  

Other ways to prevent the theft of catalytic converts include parking vehicles in a garage or secure area, or in well-lit areas where security cameras are in use. Community members can also purchase aftermarket devices that make it harder to remove exhaust system components from their vehicle. 

“This event empowers our community to directly impact their safety in a positive way,” Neudigate said. “Thanks to incredible demand from our residents, we’re committed to giving everyone a chance to defend themselves from property crime.”