As Bucks County officials take down one of the biggest catalytic converters theft rings in the nation’s history, Pennsylvania legislators are considering a bill that would expand current regulations concerning the sales of these devices at scrap metal yards.

The bill, introduced by State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Philadelphia, sailed through the House by a 119-84 vote and is up for consideration by the state Senate.

Local state representatives Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, Jamie Barton, R-Schuylkill, and Jack Rader, R-Monroe, voted no.

Since being introduced and installed on new cars, a catalytic converter turns the toxic fumes from a car’s engine into less harmful exhaust. As part of the exhaust system on gas powered cars, hybrids and trucks, catalytic converters play a key role in reducing air pollution from cars, which is why the Environmental Protection Agency made it a requirement for all cars to have starting in 1975.

These thefts have been bedeviling vehicle owners for years because of the valuable metals contained in the converters. On top of that, those who have become expert at removing the converters quickly make detection virtually impossible unless law enforcement gets lucky.

There have been several high-profile thefts in the Times News area. One was reported in Washington Township, Lehigh County, earlier this week by state police although the thefts happened in May. Police report that 20 to 30 catalytic converters were stolen from Alan’s Auto Parts on Best Station Road near Slatington. They said the theft occurred between 9 p.m. on May 8 and 8 a.m. on May 9.

Last fall, state police reported three catalytic converters were stolen from cars at the East Side Inn parking lot in northern Carbon County. It is these brazen types of thefts that happen within minutes that make their detection so difficult and which cause police to rely primarily on someone observing what’s going on or capturing the event on surveillance cameras.

In February 2022, state police said two Slatington area men were arrested for allegedly stealing catalytic converters from three vehicles at the Ashley Furniture warehouse in Palmerton.

To underscore that this problem has been going on for years, our files show that in 2013, LKQ auto parts in Parryville reported the theft of more than $5,000 worth of the converters from its shop.

The Bucks County bust was an extraordinary example of the cooperation among more than two dozen law enforcement agencies from across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Bucks District Attorney Matt Weintraub laid out the incredible story at a news conference last week announcing the arrest of 10 adults, a juvenile and a Philadelphia tow operator.

TDI Towing of Port Richmond, Philadelphia County, purchased most of the converters, paying the thieves about $300 for each. Weintraub said the tow service company was buying about 175 catalytic converters a week. In all, TDI Towing bought about 27,300 of the converters between 2020 and 2023 for a total of about $8.2 million.

TDI Towing’s owner, Michael Williams, 52, whom Weintraub referred to as the operation’s “kingpin,” was charged with criminal conspiracy, dealing in unlawful activity and related crimes. Similar charges also have been filed against Williams’ company. Among the individuals charged were Williams’ employees, most of whom are related to him.

The year-long operation by Bucks and Philadelphia authorities was aided by surveillance footage capturing employees cutting catalytic converters from vehicle and cooling hot converters to aid in their dismantling.

Weintraub explained that thefts of catalytic converters are lucrative for thieves. The resale of precious and rare metals, such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, is what entices thieves in the first place. The parts are often melted down to extract the metals and sold for a profit, Weintraub said.

If passed by both houses and signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, the proposed legislation would require individuals trying to sell catalytic converters to a scrap yard to provide the year, make, model and vehicle identification number; buyers of catalytic converters would be required to photograph both the converter and the individual selling it at the time of sale; buyers must then withhold payment for 48 hours after the purchase is completed.

In urging her colleagues to pass the bill, Isaacson said, “Car owners should not have to foot the bill for someone stealing from them. For many, the cost of replacing a catalytic converter is burdensome.” After all, she added, for many Pennsylvanians, “their car is a part of their livelihood.” It costs between $800 and $2,500 to replace a catalytic converter, more for luxury models.

According to CARFAX, here are the top five target vehicles for catalytic converter thefts in the Northeast:

• 1985-2022 Ford F Series

• 1987-2019 Toyota Camry

• 1989-2020 Honda Accord

• 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot

• 1997-2020 Honda CR-Vh

By BRUCE FRASSINELLI| tneditor@tnonline.com

The foregoing opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or Times News LLC.