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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
Cat-astrophic Solutions: Edmonton Police offering $50K reward for solution to catalytic converter thefts
Edmonton, Alberta – Edmonton Police services has offered $50,000 to anyone able to come up with a feasible solution to the prevalence of catalytic converter theft across the province. The reward is being offered in conjunction with Millennium Insurance Corporation and the Edmonton Police Foundation. “Most people have no idea what a catalytic converter is […]
Shifting Blame: Dealership denies responsibility for catalytic converters stolen on its property
Orangeville, Ontario — A Hyundai dealership is in the spotlight after telling a victim of catalytic converter theft that the business was not responsible for thefts, since it was out of their control. According to a Global News article from Wednesday, a Brampton resident sent her vehicle to the dealership, hoping to replace a faulty […]
The Cat’s out of the Bag: Manitoba catalytic converter theft combatted by new scrap metal legislation
Winnipeg, Manitoba — New regulations have been enacted by the Manitoba government to combat increases in catalytic converter theft throughout the province. These new rules were put into place Monday and contain strict guidelines for record-keeping of transactions regarding scrap metal sales. Recyclers who buy scrap metal are now required to detail every transaction involving […]
