Fargo Police and OK Tire Partner in Crime Prevention Effort

(Fargo, ND) -- The Fargo Police Department is partnering with OK Tire in an attempt to make catalytic converters less desirable by marking catalytic converters with heat resistant paint, and engraving a partial Vehicle Identification Number.

Since December 2020, the Department has taken 137 reports of theft of catalytic converters. The Department has identified that commercial businesses have been more frequently targeted.

Community members will be able to stop by OK Tire, 2224 Main Avenue, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. This service will be offered for free until further notice, and an appointment is not required.

The Department’s Investigation Unit has spoken to several local scrap and metal dealers regarding this method of crime prevention so they will be aware of these markings when anyone comes in to their facility with a catalytic converter. The scrap and metal dealers have been willing to work with us on this issue.

The Department is reminding members of the community to be proactive in crime prevention measures. Parking vehicles, including business vehicles, in well-lit areas provides less cover for thieves. Adding surveillance cameras to properties assists in the possible identification of thieves and assists in prosecution. Officers also suggest that community members add their vehicle information, including a complete VIN into the City’s free My Property registration program. This information can be useful to officers and detectives in the event that property is stolen.

To learn how to enter information into My Property, click here.