CatGuard Program

MN Dept of Commerce Fraud Bureau CatGuardKitBlock RPD Badge 2019_Reduced


The Richfield Police Department is participating in Minnesota’s Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Pilot Program (Minn. Stat. § 325E.21 subd.2b).  This is a marking program called CatGuard which was launched by the state’s Commerce Fraud Bureau and consists of:

  1. Registering your vehicle and the unique code listed on the CatGuard kit you receive;
  2. Adhering a special label to your catalytic converter; a fluid is then painted onto the label and the vehicle is started, causing the unique identification code to be etched into the metal;
  3. Once registered, the unique number allows law enforcement to trace the converter back to a specific vehicle if a converter were to be stolen and later recovered.
Catalytic Converter_Label

Minnesota has one of the highest theft rates of catalytic converters in the nation. We acknowledge that the marking of catalytic converters may not stop all thefts from occurring so we encourage you to do what you can to prevent the theft:

  • Park in a locked garage or secured parking area.
  • If you are unable to park inside, park near your building or under lights to make your vehicle less desirable to a theft.
  • Install a bright motion sensor light and camera to discourage potential thieves.
  • Consider having a local auto shop install an anti-theft device (cage) or cable lock system.
  • Watch for suspicious activity around vehicles and listen for the distinct sound of grinding metal.
  • Call 911 IMMEDIATELY to report suspicious activity.

** IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ **

The Commerce Fraud Bureau (CFB) has come up with a list of most targeted vehicles. If you own one of the top 15 targeted vehicles or if your catalytic converter has been (or attempted to have been) stolen, you may get a free catalytic converter CatGuard marking kit from a participating law enforcement agency or business. The list of participating organizations and the CFB website for the pilot project is located here https://mn.gov/commerce/business/enforcement/auto-theft-prevention/catalytic-converter-pilot.jsp

* Please note police departments do not install labels.  If you need assistance with label installation, please contact a participating automotive business.  By law, businesses cannot charge for the installation of a CatGuard label, but they may require another service, e.g., oil change, be performed to install a label.

Chevrolet Express

Honda Accord

Honda Odyssey

Kia Sportage

Mitsubishi Outlander

Ford Econoline

Honda CRV

Hyundai Santa Fe

Mitsubishi Eclipse

Toyota Prius

Ford F250

Honda Element

Hyundai Tucson

Mitsubishi Lancer

Toyota Tundra


  • Label registration is paramount to the success of this program. You MUST complete the registration process PRIOR to receiving a CatGuard marking kit.
  • CatGuard marking kits will be available from the Richfield Police Department front desk Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (not on holidays). Using your smart phone, you will scan the QR code (next to the unique code) on the kit that will take you to the CatGuard registration page.  You will need:

    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
    • License Plate Number
    • Make
    • Model
    • Color
    • Vehicle Owner’s Address, Telephone Number and Email Address
  • After entering the required information, RPD staff will provide you with a marking kit and you will enter the unique code to complete the registration process.
  • If you have multiple vehicles, you will register each one separately.  RPD staff will write on each kit indicating to which vehicle it is assigned.
  • For those who do not have a smartphone, RPD staff will assist you with registration (either online or hard copy).
  • Vehicle owners are encouraged to review the instructions contained within the marking kit.  A video showing the installation of a label can be viewed here https://youtu.be/9GKoSxbW8-I

If you have questions about Richfield’s CatGuard program, please call 612.861-9845.