The Yonkers City Council has approved a bill to crack down on catalytic converter thefts.

The bill requires to keep electronic data of those selling, buying, or installing catalytic converters.

The record must include identification of those involved in the transaction, with a driver's license or passport.

Records also need to be preserved for two years and be in electronic form so they can be searchable by Yonkers police or consumer affairs.

"Enforcement will be tough but you know if it's going to help deter people from getting into bad situation of stealing. Hopefully, we've helped make a dent in this crime," says Councilman Anthony J. Merante.

Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals. They are part of a car's exhaust system, so it's easy to get to. A skilled thief can remove a catalytic converter in minutes. Then they make hundreds or even thousands by selling the converters to metal recyclers and scrappers.

Businesses that violate this will be issued a class three offense. If there is more than one violation in a year, then charges will be raised to a class one offense. 

Those caught with stolen catalytic converters will be fined between $1,000 and $1,500 per converter.