Bethesda and Chevy Chase vehicle owners can get their catalytic converters etched and marked for free through a Montgomery County police program aimed at one of the area's most persistent property crimes.
The Montgomery County Department of Police promoted its Operation: Etch & Catch program on Wednesday, calling it "a simple, FREE way to help protect your vehicle and make it easier to recover if stolen." A community post sharing the department's flyer indicated appointments were being scheduled for as early as July 15 on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is open to Montgomery County residents.
How it works
Officers and partner body shops etch a unique serial number onto the catalytic converter and mark it with paint. The etching makes the part harder to sell at scrap yards and easier for police to trace back to its owner. Participants also receive a window decal advertising that their converter has been marked.
The event location is shared with residents after they confirm an appointment. Registration is available through a QR code on the MCPD event flyer, posted to the department's social media accounts.
Why thieves target converters
Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium,and rhodium. Rhodium was trading at approximately $8,600 per ounce as of June, according to a Forbes report citing Carfax data. A recycler may pay a thief up to $1,400 for a single converter, while the vehicle owner faces an average $1,550 replacement bill.
More than 137,000 catalytic converters were reported stolen nationally in 2025, according to Carfax.
The problem hits close to home. The City of Rockville's weekly crime report documented a catalytic converter stolen from a vehicle in the 1000 block of Willowleaf Way between the evening of May 6 and the morning of May 7. Trucks and SUVs with higher ground clearance are the most frequent targets.
How to sign up
The program costs nothing. Residents should check the MCPD's X account (@mcpnews) or Facebook page for the latest flyer and scan the QR code to reserve a time slot. Spots are limited.
Residents who witness suspicious activity around parked vehicles can call the MCPD non-emergency line at 301-279-8000. The 2nd District station serving Bethesda is reachable at 240-773-6700. For emergencies, call 911.
