The ID program is meant to deter would-be thieves because it makes it more difficult to recycle stolen catalytic converters.

The arrest of 15 suspects over several weeks in the Bay Area was the culmination of a six-month investigation into the thefts that also netted more than $50,000 in cash, four handguns and an illegal assault rifle, ammunition, evidence of identity theft, tools and more than 1,000 catalytic converters.