A recent report from Stocktonia News, Greater Stockton’s independent nonprofit newsroom, highlights the growing impact of catalytic converter theft across San Joaquin County.
More than 3,500 stolen converters have been recovered locally in recent years.
Catalytic converter theft has hit thousands of families—leaving residents stranded, facing repair bills in the thousands, and struggling to get to work.
Supervisor Steve Ding is taking action.
After law enforcement uncovered the scale of the problem across Stockton, Lodi, and surrounding communities, Ding moved to close a dangerous gap in the law. Today, criminals caught with stolen converters often walk free because prosecutors lack the tools to charge them.
Working alongside Sheriff Patrick Withrow, Ding secured support from the Board of Supervisors to draft a new county ordinance making possession of a stolen catalytic converter a misdemeanor—giving law enforcement the authority they need to hold offenders accountable.
This is about protecting working families.
As Sheriff Withrow made clear, these thefts are more than property crimes—they disrupt lives. When a converter is stolen, many residents can’t drive, can’t get to work, and can’t afford the costly repairs—especially without insurance.
By advancing this ordinance, Steve Ding is delivering real results:
- Closing loopholes criminals exploit
- Backing law enforcement with real tools
- Standing up for residents who are paying the price
This is exactly the kind of “actions, not words” leadership San Joaquin County needs.
Read the full article here: https://stocktonia.org/news/local-government/2026/04/30/san-joaquin-county-catalytic-converter-theft-loophole/