The University of Colorado Boulder Police Department (CUPD) is partnering with the Boulder Police Department and the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) to hand out free DIY catalytic converter anti-theft etching kits on campus.

The anti-theft kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25. There is no need to RSVP to the event. Those driving to the event should enter Kittredge Loop off of Regent Drive and follow signs to the pick-up location on the south side of Fiske Planetarium. Walk-ups are also welcome. Please look for the CUPD table.

About the kits

The kits come with instructions on how to locate your catalytic converter and affix the etched decal, register your decal number, as well as a window sticker to let would-be thieves know your car’s catalytic converter is labeled and connected to a law enforcement database for easier identification and recovery.

A catalytic converter is an emissions control device installed on a car’s exhaust system. The part is a target for theft because they contain precious metals such as platinum, which can yield up to $800 per used catalytic converter. Vehicle owners whose catalytic converters are stolen can expect to pay upwards of $2,000 in part replacement costs.

According to Boulder police records on catalytic converter theft from January 2021 to June 2022, thieves are most likely to target these models: Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda CRV, Toyota 4Runner and Honda Accord, especially model years 2005 through 2009.

The kit giveaway event is free and open to the public. If you’re unable to pick up your anti-theft kit at this event, there are others planned around the state. See the events tab of CATPA’s LockDown site for information on other dates and locations.