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SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Amy Elik, R-Fosterburg, has filed laws to make it a felony for individuals who stockpile stolen catalytic converters from automobiles.
“In case your catalytic converter is stolen out of your automotive, it could possibly price as a lot as $3,000 to exchange it,” mentioned Elik. “We’re seeing a rise in theft as a result of criminals can get anyplace from $25 to over $1,000 by promoting the stolen automotive half at a scrap supplier.
“Enhancing the regulation by making it a felony in case you illegally buy greater than 100 catalytic converters will assist deter criminals from stealing this costly automotive half, as criminals is not going to have anyplace to go to promote the stolen converter,” she mentioned.
In September, police seized 287 catalytic converters from a scrap-metal enterprise in East Alton that’s accused of illegally shopping for the elements. In Chicago, the theft of catalytic converters has practically tripled in comparison with a yr in the past.
Elik filed the laws following a letter from Madison County State’s Legal professional Tom Haine suggesting lawmakers amend the Recyclable Steel Buy Registration Regulation to make it a felony to stockpile a number of catalytic converters.
“We recognize the eye that our lawmakers are giving to this rising downside,” Haine mentioned. “This laws would assist to dry up the marketplace for stolen catalytic converters, and thus serve to discourage would-be thieves. These thefts are a expensive burden for the victims, they usually drive up insurance coverage premiums for all Illinois automobile homeowners.”
Home Invoice 5828, filed Oct. 26, supplies that any recyclable steel supplier or different one who knowingly fails to file the acquisition of 100 or extra catalytic converters is responsible of a Class 4 felony. It’s cosponsored by state Reps. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, and Charlie Meier, R-Okawville.
The three lawmakers mentioned they need to see motion on the laws within the upcoming veto session scheduled to start out Nov. 15.
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