NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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COUNTY OF WELLINGTON – Since the end March, 2021, members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have received several reports of stolen catalytic converters and diesel filters from vehicles.
On April 14, 2021, Wellington County OPP responded to a business on Fourth Line in the Town of Erin. It was reported that sometime overnight, suspect/s damaged 20 fleet vehicles by removing diesel catalytic converter and emission control parts.
On April 29, 2021, at approximately 11:40 p.m. unknown suspect/s removed two catalytic converters from trucks that were parked at a business on First Line near Arthur. A white sport utility vehicle (SUV) was observed leaving the area at the time of the theft.
Other recent catalytic converter thefts have occurred in the Township Centre Wellington, the Township of Guelph-Eramosa, and the Town of Erin.
Police want to remind the public that crime prevention is up to us all. Below is a list of tips that can be used to keep your property safe:
- Remember to always remove valuables from plain view. If the property cannot be removed, secure it in the trunk or other unseen locations within your vehicle prior to reaching your destination.
- Remember to lock your vehicle, day or night and always secure your residence; including garage doors and outbuildings. Secure all loose items including bicycles and equipment.
- Remember that thief's are always looking for an easy target.
- Along with securing your property, always make sure to record and photograph the make, model and serial numbers of your items in case they are stolen.
- If you are a victim of a theft, report it to the police and provide the serial numbers, this information can be helpful in locating or recovering the property.
- If there is no serial number, creating unique marks or engravings on the item can be helpful when identifying your property.
- Use motion detectors, lights and vehicle alarms, which can be a deterrent to those responsible for committing thefts of vehicles or thefts from vehicles.
- Conduct a walk around of your property to ensure that all exterior lighting is working property. If it is broken make the necessary repairs.
- Complete repairs to damaged property including windows and fences. Show that you have pride in your property and care what happens to it.
- If you have a home security system, always use it. Contact your system provider to ensure that all emergency contacts are up to date with current phone numbers and dependable people who will respond when called.
- Be a good neighbour, share information and look out for each other's property.
- Be sure to report any suspicious activity or incidents to police immediately. Your information may help to interrupt a potential crime, help to identify a crime trend, suspect, or prevent further crimes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP toll free at 1-888-310-1122 or on line at www.opp.ca/reporting. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.
Further information and tips can be located here under the Crime Prevention Section.
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