VicPD have arrested two men in relation to several catalytic converter thefts throughout Greater Victoria.
In early 2022, police launched an investigation into these thefts after seeing an increase for this type of crime in Victoria.
Catalytic converters are a part of most vehicles’ exhaust system that contain precious metals that can be sold for scrap.
The car part is usually accessible on most cars and thieves will cut the part out of the car using power tools.
Police say that catalytic converters can usually be scrapped and sold for anywhere between $200 and $2,000.
The part is much more expensive to buy new and lots of motorists are left on the hook for this cost when their catalytic converter is stolen. Sometimes insurance will cover it but the owner of the vehicle’s deductible will go up in most cases.
Following their investigation, police say two men have been arrested and will likely face charges for trafficking stolen property in addition to theft.
Police say they first noticed an increase in the number of catalytic converter thefts in 2021. According to ICBC, reports that catalytic converter theft claims in the province went from around $350,000 in 2017, to over $4 million in 2021.
“Catalytic converter thefts often happen at night under the cover of darkness as thieves target vehicles parked in secluded, poorly-lit areas,” said VicPD in a media release.
“Some thefts occur from vehicles parked in residential driveways and on the street.”
It’s unclear if these suspects are connected to the recent catalytic converter thefts in Sidney.
Police ask that anyone who sees or hears suspicious activity, call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
VicPD also asks that anyone who believes someone may be actively stealing a catalytic converter, call 911.
Victims of catalytic converter theft who don’t have any suspect information can report the theft online at VicPD’s incident reporting webpage.
