Catalytic converter thefts up compared to 2020, EPS says
Theft of catalytic converters in Edmonton has already surpassed 2020 numbers.
According to EPS, 1,626 thefts of the exhaust emission control devices were reported to police in 2020. In the first three quarters of 2021, 1,701 catalytic converter thefts have already been documented.
“We’re trying to work collaboratively with other services throughout the province. We’re sharing intelligence and communicating regularly to try and figure out how to combat this,” Edmonton Police Service Det. Daniel Leach, said to media.
An experienced thief needs only five to 10 minutes to cut off and steal a converter, a release read.
“The unfortunate thing is, is that they’re a dime a dozen really,” Leach explained.
“Every time we arrest one person, put them in jail… somebody else comes in and fills their place. It’s such a lucrative business for them at this point.”
Leach told CTV News Edmonton, criminals will often find a way to get around the provisions put in place, but noted it does slow them down.
“Much of the time these thefts are driven by drug addictions and similar issues, so I would suggest there’s a huge component of lifestyle behind that, which needs to be addressed as well.”
“It’s a crime of opportunity,” he added.
In November of last year, new provisions were implemented to the Protecting Alberta Industry from Theft Act to make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen metal for scrap, according to police.
“The vehicle exhaust repairs associated with replacing catalytic converters are costing Edmonton citizens and insurance companies millions of dollars every year,” Leach said.
To protect your vehicle from a catalytic converter theft, EPS has a few suggestions:
- Avoid parking your vehicle in places where thieves can discreetly crawl underneath
- Engrave the converter with your VIN number
- Have the converter welded onto the vehicle
- Invest in a special clamp or cage for the converter
- Invest in a car alarm that is sensitive to the vibration of the converter being sawed off
“Until we see the issues that drive the crime to begin with dealt with, and some effective punishment at the back end for those that persist, it’s going to be a troublesome issue for us for a while," Leach said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.