Rochester Businesses Stepping Up to Help Deter Catalytic Converter Thefts

If you've been on social media at all the last few months, you've noticed the news about the influx of catalytic converter thefts.  About a month ago, Tilson's Auto, a local business in Rochester, announced that they were teaming up with another business to paint catalytic converters for free to help deter additional thefts.  Now, another painting initiative has been announced, and once again, it is free to the public.

How many catalytic converter thefts have there been in the Rochester area?

According to a press release from the Rochester Police Department, there were dozens of reports during the winter months of catalytic converters.  A year ago, there were zero catalytic converter thefts reported in May.  This past month is a different story with 8 reports of stolen catalytic converters.

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Free Catalytic Converter Painting Event in Rochester, Minnesota.

The Rochester Police Department shared on their Facebook page that a free Catalytic Converter Painting Event will be held on Wednesday, June 16th from 5 pm - 8 pm at the following locations:

• Jiffy Lube, Commercial Drive SW
• Valvoline Instant Oil Change, 55th Street NW
• Quick Lane on 2nd

Rochester Police Department’s Community Action Team and local businesses are working together to prevent catalytic converter thefts.
During a free event, drivers can stop by three different oil change businesses to have their catalytic converter spray painted. A part marked with paint indicates to scrap dealers it might be stolen. - City of Rochester, MN Police Department Facebook Page

Get the chains and locks and secure these items in Rochester, Minnesota.

You know that catalytic converters are being stolen off of vehicles in broad daylight throughout Southeast Minnesota. But that's not all that is being stolen. Over the past few weeks, several people and businesses in Rochester have noticed three additional items disappearing in the middle of the day - propane tanks, generators, and bikes.  See where those thefts have been happening here.

18 annoying things that people in the midwest are doing.

You know those signs that tell you to merge for road construction that is coming up.  Yeah, we don't like to do the zipper merge here.  In fact, that is where some of our road rage happens best.  That and quite a few other annoying things that midwesterners do are below.  Scroll through and see how many you are guilty of.