Sidney/North Saanich RCMP have issued a warning about an increase in thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles.
Catalytic converters contain metals like platinum and rhodium that can bring a profit of several hundred dollars per unit. Thieves remove them with sharp-bladed instruments such as hacksaws.
The devices control a vehicle’s exhaust emissions and reduce pollutants, and cost from about $200 to $1,500.
Shawnigan Lake RCMP recovered three catalytic converters in December that were believed to have been cut away from vehicles.
A 34-year-old man was arrested.
