Tag: catalytic converter theft

Collision Repair

A Catalytic Collection: British Columbia RCMP seize 439 catalytic converters in B.C. theft, trafficking investigation

Burnaby, British Columbia — RCMP officers in Burnaby, B.C. have reported that undercover officers in a lengthy investigation have seized 439 stolen catalytic converters intended to be shipped illegally to the United States. The Canadian Press noted that RCMP said in a statement that its officers used search warrants on June 1st, 2023 at four […]

June 28, 2024

Collision Repair

Thwarting Theft: B.C. inventor hopes to help curb catalytic converter theft with new alarm system

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia — Local B.C. inventor, Rod Newlove has created the Converter Defender alarm system with the hope of helping to reduce catalytic converter theft. The Converter Defender alarm system is designed to include a 135-decibel horn—which is nearly as loud as a jet engine—and a sensor attached to the catalytic converter. “Any […]

January 23, 2024

Recycling

Recycling Revelations: New York Times report reveals reality of catalytic converter thefts

Toronto, Ontario — In a recent report by Walt Bogdanich, Isak Hüllert and Eli Tan, featured in The New York Times, the reality of catalytic converter theft and recycling has been put into greater perspective. An examination of business records, social media posts and official interviews reveals that stolen catalytic converters pass through middlemen, smelters […]

November 22, 2023

Recycling

Recycling Revelations: New York Times report reveals reality of catalytic converter thefts

Toronto, Ontario — In a recent report by Walt Bogdanich, Isak Hüllert and Eli Tan, featured in The New York Times, the reality of catalytic converter theft and recycling has been put into greater perspective. An examination of business records, social media posts and official interviews reveals that stolen catalytic converters pass through middlemen, smelters […]

November 22, 2023

Recycling

The Commodity of Cats: Full-serve and self-serve yards

By Becky Berube, President of United Catalyst Corporation Converters are an important commodity to sell for any automotive recycler or scrap metal dealer. I can remember 10 years ago when they appeared less important—just another $50 core. We didn’t talk about converter recycling very much and it certainly didn’t command the attention and spending power […]

July 19, 2023

Collision Repair

Cat People: ‘Save Your Cat’ anti-theft program launched Monday in Man., shops invited to join

Winnipeg, Manitoba — The province of Manitoba officially kicked off its counterattack against catalytic converter theft on Monday, with the launch of the “Save Your Cat” program, operated in partnership with Winnipeg Crime Stoppers. There are no felines in trees here, just a lot of Manitobans fed up with the rash of catalytic converter thefts […]

July 11, 2023

Recycling

Calling for Change: U.S. recycler group calls for tighter regulation around catalytic converter theft

Washington D.C., United States — The Washington D.C.-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) is calling on U.S. lawmakers to finally clamp down on catalytic converter thefts in the country. Through collaboration with law enforcement and stakeholder groups, ISRI has put together three specific calls to action for U.S. Congress and state legislators to consider, […]

May 10, 2023

Network

CAT CATCHERS

Automotive Recyclers Association recognized as a critical player in combatting catalytic converter theft By Emil Nusbaum Over the last two years, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has been working with US legislators, regulators, law enforcement, industry stakeholders, and state affiliates on providing effective solutions to deter catalytic converter theft. Professional automotive recyclers have been primary […]

February 17, 2023

Recycling

Misapplied Pressure: Alberta converter theft act hampers legal sales while black market thrives, report says

Edmonton, Alberta — The Protecting Alberta Industry from Theft Act is now more than two years old, and while the legislative changes have made the process of buying catalytic converters more stringent, Albertan auto recyclers are voicing concerns that such sales are still happening regularly—albeit, under the table and off the books. A recent CBC report […]

January 4, 2023

Products

Making a Killing: Cult-turned crime syndicate implicated in Ontario car-theft ring

Toronto, Ontario — A recent report by a Canadian financial intelligence unit has identified Black Axe as one of the groups involved in the recent surge of stolen vehicles exportation and the illegal sale of their parts. These thefts are part of a wider operation by the international crime group, whose portfolio involves mass fraud, […]

November 18, 2022

Collision Repair

Cat Scratch: Manitoba expands catalytic converter engraving program following steep drop in thefts

Winnipeg, Manitoba — While much of the nation sits in a state of relative powerlessness when it comes to the theft of catalytic converters, a triple threat partnership between the province, the police and Winnipeg Crime Stoppers has greatly curbed theft rates in Manitoba, and its efforts are only becoming more expansive. On July 18, […]

October 11, 2022

Auto Insurance

Crunching the Numbers: Catalytic converter theft rates higher than reflected numbers, report says

Toronto, Ontario — A new report from the U.S.’s National Salvage Vehicle Reporting Program (NSVRP) gets down to brass tacks on how catalytic converter thefts are costing the insurance industry and everyday drivers, more than what initial estimates may reflect. Based on data collected by State Farm, catalytic converter thefts are up 33 percent in […]

September 28, 2022