Houston, Texas (May 24, 2022) – At today’s Commissioners Court meeting Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee will present an update to the Harris County metal recycling regulations to address the reselling of stolen catalytic converters.
“Harris County has been plagued by a recent increase in thefts of catalytic converters, some of which have turned deadly. These new guidelines regulate the reselling of catalytic converters. Not only will it be harder to make money from stolen items, but we are also creating a tracking system for buying and selling,” said County Attorney Menefee. “My office worked closely with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to develop a plan that we’re hopeful will prevent these types of crimes in the future.”
The new section of the regulations sets specific guidelines for anyone purchasing or receiving a catalytic converter including ensuring the person selling the item has a verifiable receipt from a repair facility.
It will also make it illegal for any person or entity other than a metal recycler to possess a used catalytic converter that was cut from a vehicle instead of unbolted, unless proper documentation can be provided.
About the Harris County Attorney’s Office
Christian D. Menefee serves as the elected, top civil lawyer for Texas’ largest county. The Harris County Attorney’s Office represents the county in all civil matters including lawsuits. Menefee leads an office of 250 attorneys and staff members. He entered office at 32 years old, making him the youngest person and first African American elected as the Harris County Attorney.
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