Theft of catalytic converters prompt warning from North Van RCMP

North Vancouver RCMP are issuing a warning about an increase in catalytic converter thefts in recent weeks, and a request to the community to watch out for suspicious activity.

Six thefts in the past two weeks across North Vancouver have prompted the warning.

A citizen in Central Lonsdale recently called the police after hearing a “grinding noise” on the street outside with someone under a car with a power tool.

“He did exactly what we’re asking everyone in the public to do when they see something suspicious,” said Sgt. Peter DeVries of North Van RCMP.

“Call 9-1-1 and tell us what you see.”

When an officer arrived on the scene, the suspect quickly jumped into the vehicle and sped away at a high rate of speed.

In compliance with provincial law governing emergency vehicle operation, the officer did not give chase.

A catalytic converter may be stolen for its resale value and a thief is also likely to sell it to a recycling facility. A new catalytic converter costs between $100 and $200, but having one professionally installed will add hundreds of dollars to the bill, Sgt. DeVries said.

Sgt. DeVries is urging people to park their cars in the garage or in a well-lit area and to use motion sensing exterior house lights if the car is parked in the driveway.

But because not everyone can park in the car garage, police are asking the public to keep a watchful eye in their neighbourhoods, and to report anything that seems suspicious.

“Our biggest investigational asset is the community,” said DeVries.

Anyone who thinks they may have witnessed a catalytic converter theft, or who may have information about someone committing these thefts, is asked to call the North Vancouver RCMP at (604) 985-1311, or Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or via mobile phone app.

Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of a criminal or recovery of stolen property.