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Horknut1 t1_j8t2sdj wrote

Reply to comment by mellymellcaramel in Catalytic converter theft by mellymellcaramel

I’m confused on the logic of spray paint = stolen. In what circumstances are catalytic converters usually turned in to be recycled? When a car is totaled? Why can’t those have painted Cats?

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NativeMasshole t1_j8uo1lv wrote

I'm willing to bet that the assholes at the scrap yard paying out cash for piles of cats wouldn't give a shit if they're painted. They already know they're stolen. They don't care.

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disgruntledJavaCoder t1_j8z3efp wrote

The idea is that if the yard can't unload them fast enough and the police do a surprise inspection, the orange paint (and etching the VIN on the cat is another common strategy) on some cats on the shelves makes it look suspicious, and if they can't explain where it came from, it can get legally rough for the yard. So, ostensibly, some of the dirty scrap yards will refuse to buy cats that have been marked like this. Edit: Or, at least, without more detail and proof about the origin of it.

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