From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 19 area residents can bring their pickups and SUVs to Les Schwab Tire Center, 5610 Pacific St., Rocklin, to have their catalytic converters etched.

Eligible vehicles include Isuzu pickups, Toyota pickups, Toyota 4-Runners and Toyota sport utility vehicles. These types of vehicles are prime targets for catalytic converter thieves.

"Operation Etch 'n Catch" is offered to combat the growing number of catalytic converter thefts in the region. At the event, workers will etch the vehicle's license plate number into the heat shield of the catalytic converter. If the part is later stolen and recovered, the etching will help law enforcement connect the part to its rightful owner.

The catalytic converter is part of a vehicle's exhaust and emission control system and is located under the chassis. Thieves steal the converters and sell them to metal recyclers, who mine them for small amounts of precious metals. Thieves especially target Toyota trucks and SUVs because they are higher off the ground and their catalytic converters are easy to remove. Izusus and other vehicles have also been targeted, but far less frequently.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, call Lynn Harrison of the Placer County Sheriff's Department at 652-2419.

This free crime prevention service is hosted by Les Schwab Tire Center and sponsored by the California Highway Patrol, the Placer County Sheriff's Department, Roseville Crime Stoppers, and the police departments of Roseville, Rocklin, Auburn, Lincoln and Folsom.