Johnson on new HPD auto safety initiative: 'The purpose is to prevent and deter the catalytic converter thefts'

The Houston Police Department (HPD) hopes a new auto safety initiative will address the increase in catalytic converter thefts, per a report from Houston ABC affiliate KTRK.

According to Commander Caroleta Johnson with HPD's South Central Patrol, KTRK reported, the program involves local businesses.

"What we have done, is invited several people from the community to bring their vehicles," Johnson told the station. "And have their catalytic converters, painted and etched. The purpose is to prevent and deter the catalytic converter thefts."

Johnson added that the department understands that the thefts are a widespread problem.

"We realize thousands of people are being affected," Johnson said, according to KTRK. "The impact on their finances is great."

Sergeant Tracy Hicks with HPD's Auto Theft Crime Task Force told the station that catalytic converters don't leave the factory with marks.

"When someone steals them, our patrol officers catch these guys and it's hard to get charges on them because we can't prove it's stolen," Hicks said, KTRK reported.

KTRK reported that HPD data shows more than 7,800 catalytic converter thefts occurred last year, with this year's figure purportedly on pace to match or surpass the number.

HPD told the station that it has received over 3,000 theft complaints throughout much of the first quarter of the year.

An alleged incident in late March claimed the life of Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Almendarez.

According to KTRK, the program began with an invite-only event, but HPD intends to expand it further.

"One thing we are seeing is the thieves are being bolder and bolder and more confrontational so we are trying to prevent it from happening first," Johnson told the station.