Catalytic converters stolen from at least a dozen Houston ISD school buses, district says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- At least a dozen Houston ISD school buses are out of commission after their catalytic converters were stolen.

HISD said the buses were parked at the Northwest Motor Pool on Pinemont over the Thanksgiving holiday when the parts were stolen.

No arrests have been made, the district said.

HISD said 14 routes were impacted and substitute vehicles are currently taking kids to and from school.

A new ordinance to crack down on catalytic converter thefts and resale went into effect across Houston over the summer.

It requires individuals to show proof of owning a cut catalytic converter when they go to sell it to a metal recycler.

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Catalytic converter ordinance in effect after rise of thefts in Houston

Houston leaders unanimously approved the ordinance in May in an attempt to address the 123% increase in catalytic converter thefts.

Authorities find Houston-area ties in nationwide crackdown on catalytic converter theft

An auto-part company was buying stolen catalytic converters, removing the precious metals, and selling it for millions of dollars.

5 suspects arrested in catalytic converter theft ring are tied to deputy's murder, officials say

Officials believe the five suspects arrested this week bought stolen catalytic converters from the murder suspects in order to later resell them for profit.