To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A CHANGE TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH AN ORDINANCE FOR THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
INTRODUCE BY TITLE ONLY ORDINANCE NO. 3230-22, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADDING MUNICPAL CODE CHAPTER 15 TO TITLE 3 REGARDING THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Adoption of the proposed Ordinance would establish regulations prohibiting the unlawful possession of catalytic converters in the City of Redondo Beach. The theft of catalytic converters has been on on-going concern in the City for several years. There is currently no local, state, or federal legislation to define and punish the possession of detached catalytic converters absent an identifiable victim.
BACKGROUND
The City of Redondo Beach has experienced numerous catalytic converter thefts from automobiles over the past several years. Catalytic converter thefts contribute significantly to theft related crime statistics within the City and cost victims thousands of dollars in repairs.
Currently there is no local, state or federal legislation applicable within the City of Redondo Beach to prosecute catalytic converter thefts absent an identifiable victim. Nor is there law that allows for conviction for the recycling or sale of unlawfully obtained catalytic converters. Additionally, there is currently no local, state, or federal legislation applicable within the City of Redondo Beach requiring individuals to provide proof to law enforcement as to how a catalytic converter was obtained, thus limiting law enforcement's ability to prevent catalytic converter thefts and seize suspected stolen catalytic converters when no victim is present or able to be identified. The lack of laws on the subject has emboldened criminal enterprise. The adoption...
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