Rochester Police Now Offering Catalytic Converter Marking Kits

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The City of Rochester has joined the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office in offering free catalytic converter marking kits.

The kits, offered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau, feature a label that etches a unique number onto a catalytic converter. Once the label is attached to one of the emission control devices, it uses a chemical process to permanently etch the number onto the catalytic converter.

The kits are available for pickup in person at the Law Enforcement Records Division at the Government Center in downtown Rochester or at the North Station along West River Parkway. Those offices are open on weekdays from 8 AM until 4:30 PM.

The Police Department is asking participants to bring along the vehicle identification number, or VIN, of the vehicle for the registration process. Registering the kits can be done through a smartphone or by completing a paper form. It will allow investigators to link a stolen catalytic converter to a specific vehicle, which will greatly aid in the prosecution of people caught stealing the parts

Instructions for the DYI installation of the labels are included in the kit. Vehicle owners can also contact a local dealer or vehicle repair shop to receive assistance free of charge.