The New Westminster Police Department is warning motorists about an increase in the theft of catalytic converters.
Police have observed an increase in thefts of catalytic converters, which are emissions-control devices attached to a vehicle’s exhaust system that converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful emissions.
“Our Criminal Intelligence Unit is reviewing all recent catalytic converter files to provide patrol officers with a proactive and strategic approach to protecting people’s property,” Acting Sgt. Jeff Scott, media relations officer, said in a press release. “These offences are often underreported because owners generally take their vehicles in for repair. We want to encourage anyone who has had their catalytic converter stolen to report it to us.”
According to the police department, thieves have been targeting catalytic converters to sell for a small amount of cash to scrap metal dealers. Police note the replacement cost for a catalytic converter can be significant for both the owner and their insurance company.
In particular, thieves have been targeting newer model Volkswagen sedans in the overnight hours on side streets near McBride Boulevard.
The New Westminster Police Department recommends the following steps to make it more difficult for thieves to steal these items:
- Where possible or available, park vehicles in secured parking areas as opposed to street or open area parking.
- If street or open area parking is your only option, try to park in well-lit areas, or stalls close to entrances or areas with increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
- Be aware of suspicious persons loitering in parking lots or other unsecured areas where vehicles are parked. Call police if you’re concerned someone is acting suspicious in these areas or about to commit a theft from a vehicle.
- Consider speaking with your garage about low-cost options for securing or alarming your vehicle against catalytic converter or other thefts from your vehicle.
