Maybe instead create a private cause of action? Let the owners of stolen catalytic converters file massive, ruinous lawsuits against companies buying them, with additional damages awardable to the local police department where the converter was stolen to compensate for their time dealing with / tracking down thieves.

Might be tough to track down the buyer, but if both you and the cops get a ton of money when you do, then everybody would be motivated to put in that effort.

(This could work for any stolen auto issue really - somewhere up the chain is a legitimate business and the owners of that business really don’t want to get hit with multi million dollar lawsuits for trafficking parts)