A new ordinance to crack down on catalytic converter thefts and resale is now in effect across Houston, according to abc13. City leaders unanimously approved the ordinance back in May in an attempt to address the 123 percent increase in catalytic converter thefts.

According to the news station, in a news release in May, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said:

"People need to know that if you steal them, you will pay the price for it. If you are going to do it, we are going to make it as inconvenient as possible for you."

The article notes people will now need to show proof of owning a cut catalytic converter when they go to sell it to a metal recycler.

According to the article, the following are the rules for the automotive repair facility selling catalytic converters:

• Person selling the catalytic converter must show the receipt from the repair facility (name of business, address of the business, phone number of business, year, make, model, and vehicle identification number).
• The metal recycler must verify the repair facility is an actual business.
• A seller with a valid used automotive parts recycler license issued by TDLR can sell catalytic converters to a metal recycler without a verifiable receipt from a repair facility.

The article also lists the rules for individual sellers. The sellers must:

• Show the year, make, model and vehicle identification number from the vehicle the catalytic converter was removed from
• Show a copy of the certificate of title or other ownership documentation for the vehicle the catalytic converter was removed from

The article notes the requirements for purchasing metal recycler's as well:

• Must photograph all sides of the device, get the serial number, and VIN
• Required to keep and upload all information and photos to the police department's online investigation system

The news station says if someone doesn't show proof that they own the cut device, it could result in a misdemeanor charge for each catalytic converter.