Montgomery County Police have announced additional appointments for its Operation: Etch & Catch program, which aims to deter catalytic converter thefts and assist in their recovery if stolen.
The program launched last year reflects similar initiatives in Takoma Park and across the country, where local police departments collaborate with local body shops and vehicle service centers to etch serial numbers and paint catalytic converters free of charge.
“Hybrid cars, such as the Prius, are targeted by thieves because they have two power sources – an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine – so their catalytic converters are used less frequently to process pollutants,” according to Takoma Park Police spokesperson Cathy Plevy. “This means the metals inside them are less likely to corrode, so they’re more valuable and therefore more desirable to thieves.”
🚨 Mission Alert: Operation #EtchAndCatch 🚨
Your mission, should you accept it: Protect your vehicle with FREE catalytic converter etching! 🔧🚘
📅 March 19, 2025
🔗 Scan the QR code to sign up!Questions? Email Sgt. Enendu: ijeoma.enendu@montgomerycountymd.gov#MCPNews pic.twitter.com/WAClloM0C9
— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) March 13, 2025
Residents of MCPD’s Fourth District in Wheaton can schedule appointments for Wednesday, March 19. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and only one vehicle per household will be serviced.
In addition to the free catalytic converter etching and painting, participants will receive a window cling for their vehicles stating, “This vehicle’s catalytic converter has been etched.”
For more information about Operation: Etch & Catch, visit montgomerycountymd.gov.
Photo: © Sergey – stock.adobe.com