APD, Jiffy Lube partner on free catalytic converter VIN etching

Albuquerque Police Department has partnered with Jiffy Lube to provide free VIN etching on catalytic converters.

Hundreds of catalytic converters have been stolen over the last few years. The auto part, which sits under the bottom of vehicles, are often targeted as they contain minerals like platinum, palladium and rhodium that can be sold for high dollar amounts.

Once the part is stolen off a vehicle, it will cost upward of $1,500 to replace and will emit harmful gas and could even harm the engine’s performance.

APD and Jiffy Lube have partnered for free VIN etching on catalytic converters to with the goal of preventing more victims of this type of theft. Jiffy Lube technicians will first paint a stripe of bright paint on the catalytic converter, then they will engrave the vehicle’s VIN over the paint stripe.

The service is being offered at no charge at any Jiffy Lube location, including the three Rio Rancho locations, to those who request the etching, no appointment required.

“We continue to target all crime from every angle possible, and catalytic converters are no exception,” APD Chief Harold Medina said. “I applaud our partners at Jiffy Lube for joining forces with the police department to help combat this growing issue, as we cannot fix this alone.”

Since mid-April, 500 vehicles have been etched since Jiffy Lube first began the free VIN etching. The hope is that the more vehicles VIN etched, the more it will deter thieves from stealing the part and it will make it easier for law enforcement to track and help prosecute. Jiffy Lube’s initial goal is to etch 50,000 converters by the end of the year.