The Shakopee Police Department is hosting an event called Operation: Etch and Catch on April 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in its front parking lot (475 Gorman St, Shakopee).

At this free event, officers will get under vehicles and mark catalytic converters with spray paint and will etch the vehicle’s license plate number in hopes of deterring would be thieves. Officers will also attach a heat-resistant sticker, informing criminals that the catalytic converter has been etched.

The etched plate number and paint will help police officers determine the origin of stolen catalytic converters on traffic stops. In addition, Shakopee Police will send out a statewide message to scrap dealers encouraging them not to purchase etched or spray-painted catalytic converters.

 Pre-registration is REQUIRED AND MANDATORY. Only those residents that have pre-registered will be accepted. To schedule an appointment and for further details on the event, please contact Nicole Clifton at 952-233-9441 or NClifton@shakopeemn.gov.