Police report more than 200 catalytic converter thefts this year

Richmond

2021-10-29 09:16 PDT

Richmond RCMP say that during the first nine months of 2021, 238 catalytic converters were reported stolen across the city.

Corporal Ian Henderson of the Richmond RCMP says, Victims all across the city have reported catalytic converter thefts from all makes and models of vehicles - from small cars to pick-up trucks, cargo vans, large trucks and buses.

Henderson says, Catalytic converter thefts, like other property related offences, are crimes of opportunity. Thieves prey on those vehicles left unattended or unwatched for long periods of time, day or night. They prey on vehicles they can hang around and climb under without being noticed, he says.

Richmond RCMP’s Property Crime Unit is working with its partners across the Lower Mainland to address the recent rash of catalytic converter thefts that extends well beyond the borders of Richmond.

To date, several active investigations are ongoing, and a number of suspects have been identified.
Specific details may be forthcoming once arrests have been made and charges laid.

Meantime, here are some things people can do to discourage would be thieves:

• When possible, park in limited-access, gated locations with video surveillance;
• When parking on the street, or at un-fenced locations, choose well-lit areas where there is some pedestrian and vehicle traffic;
• Check on vehicles often, and move them occasionally. Dirty vehicles left in one spot with leaves, mold, expired license plates and flat tires are strong indicators that no one is watching the vehicle;
• Consider installing good lighting and video surveillance in parking areas outside residences and businesses, whether fenced or not; and
• Report all suspicious activity to police immediately

If you have information on catalytic converter theft, or any other crime in the Richmond area, please contact the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. If an incident is ongoing, call 9-1-1.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca
 

Released by

Cpl. Dennis Hwang

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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