Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan’s bill to thwart surging catalytic converter theft

Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan wants to prohibit scrap metal shops citywide from buying and selling used catalytic converters.Stefan Jeremiah for New York Pos

The surge in catalytic converter thefts could come to a screeching halt under a proposed City Council bill.

Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan says he wants to prohibit scrap metal shops citywide from buying and selling used catalytic converters, a car part whose precious metals have been fetching big bucks for thieves.

Violators would face yet-to-be determined fines and potentially the loss of city-issued licenses to operate under the legislation Brannan will introduce next month.

Catalytic convertors are connected to vehicle mufflers and help convert engine exhaust into less harmful emissions. These devices, which can be clipped off in minutes by savvy thieves, contain rhodium, platinum and other expensive metals that can be flipped for a huge profit.