Catalytic converter theft has been on the rise over the past year in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan RCMP received 173 reports of thefts of catalytic converters in 2021. That is up 810% from 2020, when there were only 19 reported thefts.
In partnership with local businesses, Warman and Martensville RCMP is looking to help deter would-be thieves by creating the ‘You Etch It. We Catch It!’ program. Though the program, local businesses can engrave the last eight digits of a vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) onto its catalytic converter. Warman/Martensville RCMP are donating the etching tools to participating businesses, who in turn will offer this service free of charge to those wishing to have this done.
Officers, on occasion, have caught suspects with catalytic converters in their possession, however they have been unable to prove they were stolen. This has also meant the RCMP were unable to return them to their rightful owners due to a lack of identifying information. With the VIN etched onto the catalytic converter, it greatly increases the likelihood that criminals committing these crimes can be held accountable for their actions.
The Warman/Martensville area has had multiple reports of catalytic converter theft. Warman and Martensville Detachment would like to be proactive and try and prevent these types of thefts in our detachment area.
Warman partnering businesses include:
• 306 Deal
• Great Canadian Oil Change
• Ok Tire
• Reliable Towing
Martensville Partnering Businesses include:
• Canadian Tire
• Read Automotive
• Phobia Auto Care
• Speedy Collision
• Jason’s Auto Glass
• Checkered Flag Automotive
Any other businesses who wants to participate can contact the Warman RCMP Detachment and any member of the public who wishes to have their catalytic converter etched may contact a participating business.
Why the rise in thefts of catalytic converters?
Editor’s Note: The Garden Grove Police Department in Garden Grove, California, USA, issued a public bulletin in 2019 outlining the reasons behind the rise in catalytic converter thefts in that city (www.ggcity.org). The following information and accompanying illustrations are taken from that bulletin.
The City of Garden Grove has recently noticed a rise in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicle exhaust systems. Toyota Priuses are the most common vehicle type being targeted right now, although several have been stolen from various other makes and models.
The Appeal of Catalytic Converters
The reason is the value of the metals used in the manufacturing of the catalytic converters. Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The metals are expensive, and thieves sell the converters to scrap yards for several hundred dollars per piece, depending on the size of the converter and the current rate on the metals inside it. It can cost you on average up to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter, and it is illegal to drive your car without one. The resulting gap in your exhaust system also makes the car run poorly until it is fixed. The rate of catalytic converter theft varies depending on the current prices of the metals inside it. Price increases typically result in an increase in thefts. Thieves look for easy targets when it comes to catalytic converter theft, and a few simple steps help make your car or SUV a less likely target.
Symptoms of Converter Theft
You’ll notice a loud rumbling or roaring sound as soon as you turn on the engine if your catalytic converter is missing. This gets louder when you hit the gas. The exhaust is not working properly, so the vehicle also drives rougher than usual, often with a sense of sputtering as you change speed. Go to the back of the car and look underneath. The catalytic converter is a round canister that connects two pieces of piping in the exhaust. You will see a gaping space in the middle of your exhaust if the converter is missing, and you will likely see signs of the piping being cut away.
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
Always park in well-lit areas when possible. If you have a personal garage, keep your car in the garage with the door closed when the vehicle is not in use. Park close to a building entrance or to the nearest access road when parking in a public lot. This is due to the increased amount of pedestrian traffic in those areas. Security devices are available that attach to the converter, making it harder to steal. Having the converter welded to the car frame also makes it more difficult to remove. If you have a security system on your car, calibrate it so vibration sets it off. This ensures the alarm activates if a thief tries to saw off the converter. Video surveillance around your garage or driveway is also useful if you have the budget for it. Engrave your VIN number onto your catalytic converter to make it easier to identify in case it does get stolen.