Vancouver Police have seen a growing number of catalytic converter thefts throughout the city and are asking the public to be vigilant.
“A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system, meant to reduce pollutants” says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD. “Catalytic converters are generally located, or accessed from, underneath a vehicle and are targeted for theft because of the precious metals found inside them.”
Between January 1, 2021 and March 6, 2021, Vancouver Police have had 71 reports of catalytic converter thefts compared to 33 in the same time period last year.
“Typically, investigators are seeing Hondas account for about 37 percent of the targeted vehicles, followed by Fords with 26 percent and Toyotas with about 7 percent,” says Visintin.
The Vancouver Police are offering the following tips to prevent these thefts:
- Park personal vehicles inside a garage or secure parking lot. If that is not feasible, park in well-lit areas;
- For businesses – park vehicles within a fenced off area that is busy during the day and secure at night when possible and consider investing in hired patrolling security;
- At shopping centers or similar parking lots, park close to the entrance of the building or near the access road where there is vehicle traffic and pedestrians; and
- Ensure your video surveillance systems have good quality resolution and appropriate lighting as it will assist investigators.
If anyone witnesses this type of theft in progress, please call 9-1-1.