The Hastings Police Department (HPD) in collaboration with the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau announces the launch of a catalytic converter marking program in the community.

This past year, the HPD has taken approximately 45 reports of stolen catalytic converters in our community. Thieves target these vehicle parts because they are relatively quick and easy to remove, valuable when sold and difficult to trace. When these thefts occur, they not only cause a significant financial loss to the victim but also a tremendous disruption to their lives.

In partnership with local dealerships Valley Chevrolet, Hastings Chrysler, and Valley Buick/GMC the HPD is making catalytic converter marking kits available that will not only allow the police to track and trace any catalytic converters that may be stolen but to also deter these thefts in the city. Those vehicles that have been identified as most commonly targeted and eligible to receive a marking kit are listed below. If you own one of the vehicles listed below and wish to participate in the free program, please come to the lobby of the Hastings Police Department, 150 3rd Street East, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or speak with one of our local dealerships the next time you are there for the service of your vehicle.

Vehicle makes and models eligible for the marking program include:

•Ford F250

•Honda Accord •Honda CRV

•Honda Element

•Honda Odyssey

•Hyundai Santa Fe

•Hyundai Tucson

•Kia Sportage

•Mitsubishi Eclipse

•Mitsubishi Outlander

•Toyota Prius

•Toyota Tundra -Submitted by City of Hastings