NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Newport News Police Department is hosting a free catalytic converter VIN engraving and free window VIN etching event.
The goal of the engraving sessions is to deter thieves from stealing catalytic converters, which has been a rising problem across the country over the past few years.
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The city has also noticed an uptick in thefts: In 2021, NNPD says 200 catalytic converters were stolen. That number surged to 328 in 2022.
The department previously told us catalytic converters only go for about a couple hundred dollars on the after market, but they cost thousands to replace.
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The free engraving and etching sessions will take place on Saturday, July 22 at the Newport News Police headquarters located at 9710 Jefferson Avenue.
As of this writing, sign-up slots are full, but those interested in checking to see if a slot has freed up can do so here.
