The Guelph Police Service says there has been at least 30 catalytic converter thefts in the city since Christmas, including five that occurred this past weekend.
The devices are cut from the underside of vehicles and the metals within are likely sold for scrap.
In the most recent theft discovered Saturday morning, a hole had been cut into the fence surrounding the compound where a number of vehicles were parked overnight in the area of Eramosa Road near Speedvale Avenue East. In total, five vans had their catalytic convertors cut off sometime overnight, at a value of about $1,200 each.
Sgt. Phil Perrins of the General Investigations and Special Projects (GISP) branch said there is no specific concern for public safety and that thieves target those vehicles which allow easy access to the catalytic converter.
Located between the engine and muffler, a catalytic converter converts harmful substances in exhaust gasses into less harmful substances through a chemical reaction. The value in the devices comes from the precious metals used to make it — typically including rhodium, palladium and platinum.
The Guelph Police Service has a good relationship with metal recycling shops in the city, said Perrins.
“The shops take the appropriate steps to log the identity of persons selling scrap metal,” said Perrins. “The issue of (catalytic converter) thefts is province-wide and the stolen property could be sold anywhere in Ontario, or elsewhere for that matter.”
Most of the recent thefts of catalytic converters reported to Guelph police have been from businesses that maintain a fleet of commercial vehicles.
Last Thursday, four catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles at a business on York Road near Watson Parkway South, with a total estimated loss to the business of $6,000.
Seven catalytic converters were stolen from a business on York Road near Watson Road South on Feb. 22. A power tool was left behind at the scene during that theft.
Perrins said police meet with businesses that have been victimized to discuss preventative measures against future thefts.
“Fences, surveillance cameras, strategic placement of targeted vehicles, etcetera,” said Perrins.
There are also tips and strategies located on the GPS website under Crime Prevention and Community Safety – Business Safety to assist with target hardening, said Perrins.
During the most recent meeting of the Guelph Police Services Board, chief Gord Cobey said the department will work on preventative ways to combat the catalytic converter theft issue, as well as focus on enforcement.
The problem is not isolated in Guelph, police services across North America have been reporting an increase in catalytic converter thefts in recent months, said Guelph police in a recent press release.
They encourage the public to report any suspicious people or vehicles, particularly in remote areas during overnight hours.
