The Decline of Catalytic Converter Theft in Houston: A Success Story
Catalytic converter theft, once a growing criminal trend in Houston, has recently seen a dramatic decline, thanks to the efforts of the Houston Police Department (HPD). According to HPD Commander Dana Hitzman, state laws like SB 244, also known as the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act, have played a crucial role in giving police the tools needed to combat this issue.
In a recent Houston City Council public safety committee meeting, Commander Hitzman presented data that highlighted the scope of the problem and the significant drop in catalytic converter thefts across the city. She explained, “Combine 2021, 2022, and 2023, the City of Houston had over 19,000 catalytic converter thefts.”
A graph shown to council members illustrated the decline in catalytic converter thefts, with incidents dropping from hundreds per month to almost none in the first few months of 2024. Commander Hitzman attributed the decrease to various factors, including the falling price of metal and the implementation of city ordinances and state laws.
One of the key pieces of legislation that helped address catalytic converter theft was Senate Bill 244, also known as the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act. This law made catalytic converter theft a felony, providing law enforcement with enhanced tools to combat the problem.
Flor Zarzoza-Almendarez, the widow of Deputy Almendarez, expressed her satisfaction with the decrease in catalytic converter thefts but also noted that more work needs to be done. She emphasized the importance of continuing to fight against this crime to honor her husband’s legacy.
Overall, the success in reducing catalytic converter theft in Houston serves as a testament to the effectiveness of proactive law enforcement measures and the support of dedicated individuals like Flor Zarzoza-Almendarez.