BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A new law aimed at cutting down on catalytic converter thefts appears to be having the desired effect.

Bellingham Police Lt. Claudia Murphy says thefts are down sharply so far in 2023.

They received just 12 reports of thefts from January 1st to January 29th, while there were 40 reported stolen during that time period last year.

Overall in 2022, there were 164 catalytic converter thefts reported in the city, with about half coming after the law took effect last July 1st.

There were 191 thefts in 2021.

The law requires sellers to show ID and wait three days to be paid for catalytic converters.

Cash payments are also banned and must be made with a check so the transaction leaves a paper trail.