From April 1, 2020, to April 8, 2021, thieves stole 90 catalytic converter from vehicles in West Fargo. The West Fargo Police Department’s Community Outreach Programs and Services Unit, The Jay Thomas Show at AM 970 WDAY and FM 93.1 and Dave’s West Fargo Tire and Service are teaming up to help stop these thefts.
Residents can make appointments between 8 a.m. and noon Saturday, April 24, to have their catalytic converters marked with heat resistant paint at Dave’s West Fargo Tire and Service (1225 Main Ave. E). This is a free service that will help deter thieves from taking the converters and selling them for valuable precious metals. Most scrapyards or shops will not buy converters that are marked or painted. This is a big indicator that the converter is stolen.
“The St. Paul Police Department is using this method,” said Chief Denis Otterness. “It’s exciting to bring this approach to West Fargo. We hope the metro will join us to stop thieves from stealing catalytic converters.”
Appointments are required for the service. To sign up, go to this link or go to www.westfargopolice.com and click the Service Alert button at the top of the page. More times may be available Sunday, April 25, depending on the turnout of Saturday’s event. On the day of the event, those with appointments should use S. Main Avenue Frontage Road at 17th Street E. to enter Dave’s West Fargo Tire and Service.
“This wouldn’t be possible without The Jay Thomas Show and Dave’s West Fargo Tire and Service,” said Otterness. “We thank them for teaming up with us to help provide the service to our residents.”
For updates on the catalytic converter theft prevention initiative, follow @WestFargoPolice on social media.