Listen Live

Catalytic converter thefts still prominent in Central Vancouver Island

Catalytic converter thefts are still prominent in central Vancouver Island.

That from Oceanside RCMP who say that in their area alone, 41 converters were stolen and 9 more were attempted to be stolen since January of this year. Provincially, ICBC says that catalytic converter thefts in the province have risen from only 89 in 2017 to just under 2,000 in 2021.

Catalytic converters are devices in the exhaust of a vehicle that have value in the scrap metal market for the precious metals they contain. Those metals include platinum, palladium and rhodium. They are located in a spot that is easily accessible to thieves from the outside of the vehicle.

The continued thefts in the Oceanside area are despite new legislation that was put into place in March, which regulated the sale of converters not attached to an exhaust system. It requires recyclers to report each transaction to police on the date of sale, including information about the seller.

At the time, BC Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth says these thefts create costs and consequences to the livelihoods of British Columbians and this change reduces the incentive to steal them in the first place.

The thefts happen mostly at night in areas like closed business parking lots or off-highway parking areas.

Sergeant Shane Worth says as a deterrent, vehicle owners should park in well-lit, high traffic areas when possible.

“Police are reminding vehicle owners to park their vehicles, when possible, in well-lit, high traffic areas or garages to prevent these thefts from occurring,” says Worth. “If anyone has any information about these thefts or sees suspicious activity at night time around parked vehicles please call the Detachment at (250) 248-6111.”

Continue Reading

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

B.C. Conservative MLA Amelia Boultbee resigns, urges Rustad to step down

Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee said she’s leaving the B.C. Conservative caucus and called on party leader John Rustad to resign. 

B.C. government proposes more legislation to fast-track North Coast power project, with First Nations

The British Columbia government tabled legislation Monday aimed at fast-tracking the construction of the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) and enable First Nation’s co-ownership of the project. 

Improvements to Park Drive baseball fields proposed to council

District of Port Hardy council has promised to review discussions on how to improve the conditions at Park Drive baseball park

North Island welcomes new student doctors to the community 

Two new interns continue to connect with Northern Vancouver Island as they build their career.

Contactless payments coming soon to BC Transit riders

Bus riders may soon have an easier way to pay for their fare, as BC Transit prepares to roll out contactless debit and credit card payments across its network through the Umo fare system.
- Advertisement -