UCF police crack down on catalytic converter thefts with new initiative

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The University of Central Florida was hit hard by catalytic converter thieves early this year.

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Two men were caught on video walking away with the critical car part in broad daylight.

UCF police detective Alex DeLuca worked relentlessly to track down the criminals and found 25 catalytic converters.

DeLuca said there was no tag or ID to help him match the parts to the cars.

READ: Catalytic converter thefts impacting dozens of Central Florida drivers

There is an initiative underway at UCF with ProtechDNA. The company created a small pouch with an impressive adhesive inside. Etched into each dot is a unique pin. Think of it as DNA for your property.

“We have our catalytic converter right here and then you just put your gel on it. Thousands of little microdots that are in this little pack right here,” DeLuca said. “It’s a way to apply serial numbers to items that don’t have it.”

READ: ‘We are on the right path’: UCF Police Department earns state accreditation for the fourth time

You can then make an account with the company that links you to the product, making it easier for officers to return the property if it’s recovered after a theft.

“We can run that serial number and we will know exactly who the owner of that catalytic converter is,” DeLuca said.

On Tuesday, UCF police, ProtechDNA and State Farm will work together to give 100 kits out to students for free.

READ: Florida man tased after trying to flee deputies on a riding lawn mower

Everyone else can get a kit for $15.

The kits will be applied and registered on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon in Garage A on University and Gemini.

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