Catalytic Converter Etching Kit Program

The El Cerrito Police Department (E.C.P.D) has chosen CATETCH Label Solution as a method for marking catalytic converters to deter theft. The E.C.P.D has purchased self-install kits, which will be provided to verified residents of El Cerrito. Vehicle ownership and resident verification will allow you to receive 1 kit per vehicle with a maximum of 4 vehicle kits per household.

POINT OF CONTACT / HOURS OF OPERATION:

Please contact the Police Department at (510) 215-4400 for more information or stop by to pick up your kits.

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

INSTALLATION OF ETCHING KITS:

A video of installation can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GKoSxbW8-I, and instructions are included in the kit.

If you are unable to install the kit yourself, take it to your automotive service provider for installation. Some service providers require a fee, so please contact them directly for further information.  The El Cerrito Police Department will not install the kits on vehicles.

REGISTERING YOUR UNIQUE CODE NUMBER:

Each kit must be registered online with CATETCH so that if your catalytic converter is stolen and recovered it can be returned to you. Registration is simple and only requires basic vehicle information and contact information.  The El Cerrito Police Department does not retain your personal information or your Unique Code Number. You should keep your Unique Code Number in a safe accessible place.

You can register here:

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS STOLEN:

If your catalytic converter has been stolen promptly report it to the police department and be prepared to provide the Unique Code Number.  You should also report it to CATETCH so their database will be updated.  If another law enforcement agency recovers your catalytic converter and checks the Unique Code Number they will discover that it has been reported stolen.  

Reporting stolen catalytic converter to the RETAINA GROUP

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Information on the CATETCH and RETAINA GROUP can be found at: