On Aug. 5, Gov. Greg Abbott reiterated his signing of the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act into law, aimed at countering the significant rise in catalytic converter thefts. Named after Deputy Almendarez who tragically lost his life trying to prevent such thefts, this legislation introduces stricter penalties and criminalizes theft and unlawful possession, addressing a surge of over 1,200% in thefts between 2019 and 2021.
"Catalytic converter theft increased 1,215% from 2019-2022," Gov. Abbott wrote in an Aug. 5 Twitter post. "We will not allow this crime to persist in Texas. I signed Senate Bill 224 to increase penalties for catalytic converter theft. I thank Sen. Carol Alvarado and Rep. Jeff Leach for leading the effort to pass it."
According to KXAN News, Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill during a ceremony at the Texas Capitol in June to address catalytic converter thefts by imposing tougher penalties for theft and unlawful possession. The legislation, named the “Deputy Darren Almendarez Act” after a fallen deputy, aims to combat the increasing trend of thefts of these valuable car parts.
Almendarez's murder occurred during a rash of catalytic converter thefts, with Texas experiencing a staggering increase of over 10,000 percent since 2019, ranking second highest in the nation, according to Fox Houston 26. A report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows that Texas saw 136 catalytic converter thefts per 100,000 vehicles in 2022, marking a dramatic rise of 10,881.37% since 2019, with only New York surpassing in theft rates.
Data from 2020 reveals that catalytic converter thieves predominantly target Toyotas, Lexus, and Hondas, according to the report by Fox Houston.
The bill classifies thefts based on the value of the stolen property: thefts below $30,000 are categorized as a state jail felony, while higher values lead to third-degree, second-degree, or first-degree felonies, according to The Battalion. Possession of multiple converters without proof of lawful ownership is presumed to be theft, although certain businesses like metal recyclers or repair shops are protected under the bill if they obtain converters in good faith.
Catalytic converters, essential vehicle components mandated by law for emission reduction, have been increasingly targeted by thieves due to their valuable platinum, palladium, and rhodium content, which can be sold for substantial profits, according to the Varghese Summersett law firm. The surge in catalytic converter thefts in Texas can be attributed to the rising value of these precious metals. Thieves typically employ quick and discreet methods, using battery-operated saws to swiftly cut off the converters from parked vehicles in driveways and parking lots.
