SPRINGFIELD — State Representative Amy Elik, R-Fosterburg, has filed legislation to make it a crime for people who store stolen catalytic converters in vehicles.
“If your catalytic converter is stolen from your car, it can cost up to $3,000 to replace it,” Elik said. “We are seeing an increase in thefts, as criminals can get between $25 and over $1,000 selling the stolen car part to a junkyard.
“Improving the law by making it a crime if you illegally buy more than 100 catalytic converters will help deter criminals from stealing this expensive auto part because criminals will have nowhere to go to sell the stolen converter,” he said. she declared.
In September, police seized 287 catalytic converters from an East Alton scrap business accused of illegally purchasing the parts. In Chicago, the theft of catalytic converters has nearly tripled from a year ago.
Elik filed the legislation following a letter from Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine suggesting lawmakers change the law on recording recyclable metal purchases to make it a crime to store multiple catalytic converters.
“We appreciate the attention our legislators are giving to this growing problem,” Haine said. “This legislation would help dry up the market for stolen catalytic converters, and thus serve to deter would-be thieves. These thefts are a costly burden on victims, and they drive up insurance premiums for all vehicle owners in the Illinois.
House Bill 5828, filed Oct. 26, provides that any dealer in recyclable metals or other person who knowingly fails to record the purchase of 100 or more catalytic converters is guilty of a Class 4 felony. He is co-sponsored by State Representatives CD Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville and Charlie Meier, R-Okawville.
The three lawmakers said they wanted to see action on the legislation during the next veto session scheduled for Nov. 15.