'You Etch It, We Catch It': Leduc RCMP launches program to curb catalytic converter theft
Leduc RCMP and the City of Leduc have launched a program to try and stop the theft of catalytic converters.
“You Etch It, We Catch It” will see partner businesses offer to etch a Vehicle Identification Number into catalytic converters free of charge.
“The VIN serves as an identifier that will assist police in confirming the stolen part and returning the property to the rightful owner,” said Insp. Jeff McBeth.
According to the RCMP, catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise over the past few years. In 2019, there were 29 reports of catalytic converter thefts in Leduc.That number jumped to 106 in 2020, and this year there have been 150 reports of the thefts.
The RCMP added that catalytic converter thefts are happening all over the province, and it’s nearly impossible to prosecute the crime, or identify the converters.
“Officers have on occasion caught suspects with catalytic converters in their possession, however they’ve been unable to prove that they were stolen,” McBeth said. “This also means we are unable to return them to their rightful owners, due to the lack of identifying information.”
Catalytic converters can be removed from a vehicle in seconds, and sold for the metals inside, like platinum and palladium.
“It’s easy money,” McBeth said. “It’s very quick to do. It’s such a quick crime, and then you can flee the area before anybody really knows what’s happening.”
“It’s just another way criminals are developing, but we too have to step up our game in policing, and continue to get one step ahead of them.”
Participating businesses include Fountain Tire, Kal Tire, Canadian Tire, DK Ford, Leduc Chrysler, Jeep Dodge, Leduc Hyundai, LA Nissan, and Schwab Chevrolet Buick GMC. The businesses have been provided etching tools by the City of Leduc and will offer the service for free.
Leduc city council is also working toward creating a bylaw that would make it illegal to be in possession of a catalytic converter without proof of ownership. The RCMP said this would help hold criminals accountable for the thefts, even if they do manage to grind off the VIN etching.
‘SO DISHEARTENING’
“This is an issue we’ve seen [become] a trend across the entire province,” said Cpl. Deanna Fontaine.
Edmonton is no exception. In 2020, there were 1,626 catalytic converter thefts reported to Edmonton police. According to the EPS, that number had been surpassed by August of this year.
Because the part is underneath the vehicle, it can be hard to tell if a theft has taken place – and the damage can be extensive.
“The car was working fine, it was starting fine, it was sounding fine,” said Alex Paikada, whose catalytic converter was stolen last year. “And then literally 30 minutes after we were about to go home, me and my family get in the car, I started it up and it sounded like a rocket ship.”
Edmonton’s Food Bank also recently reported the theft of catalytic converters from two of their delivery trucks, during their busiest time of year.
In an email to CTV News, the Food Bank said the robbery on Saturday was the sixth time they’ve been targeted. It estimates each theft costs between $2,500 and $3,500 per vehicle.
“All of this is just so disheartening,” said Tamisan Bencz-Knight with the Food Bank. “We lose productivity in addition to the costs of fixing the units.”
The RCMP is hoping the “You Etch It, We Catch It” program will serve as a template for other municipalities and RCMP detachments, to tackle the issue of catalytic converter thefts province-wide.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
The Canadian flag in the context of 'Freedom Convoy' and residential schools
In the wake of last year’s discoveries of unmarked graves at residential schools and the prominent displays of the Canadian flag during 'Freedom Convoy' protests, some Canadians are re-evaluating the meaning of the national symbol.

Celebrations, protests planned for Canada Day in Ottawa
Thousands of people converged on downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday, while police and city officials braced for possible protests against COVID-19 restrictions.
In Canada Day message, Trudeau says Canadian flag represents promise of a better life
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on Canadians to recommit to the country’s values, including respect, hope and kindness, in his official Canada Day message.
'Not going to happen in our lifetime': First-time homebuyers share their struggles with purchasing a home
A recent survey shows nearly 50 per cent of Canadians who rent expect to do so forever. As rising interest and inflation rates contribute to a sense of pessimism among first-time homebuyers in Canada, some are sharing their struggles with purchasing their first house.
Russian missiles kill at least 19 in Ukraine's Odesa region
Russian missile attacks on residential areas killed at least 19 people in a Ukrainian town near Odesa early Friday, authorities reported.
Four people arrested at National War Memorial in Ottawa as Canada Day celebrations begin
Police officers in cruisers, on foot patrol and on bicycles are patrolling the Parliamentary Precinct, the ByWard Market and the so-called 'motor vehicle control zone,' as the city prepares for Canada's 155th birthday celebrations and possible protests.
Royal Canadian Navy relieves Pacific fleet ship commander for 'inappropriate conduct'
The Royal Canadian Navy says it has relieved the commanding officer of a warship in the Pacific Fleet.
Trump's vulnerabilities for 2024 presidential run mount after latest testimony
Stunning new revelations about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s fight to overturn the 2020 election have exposed growing political vulnerabilities just as he eyes another presidential bid.
Same-sex couples in U.S. updating legal status after Roe v. Wade ruling
After the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, some LGBTQ2S+ couples are alarmed, worrying about a return to a time when they lacked equal rights to married heterosexual couples under the law. Many, fearful that their marital status is in danger, are moving now to square away potential medical, parental and estate issues.