Two men have been charged after a lengthy investigation into the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles, say Victoria police.
Police said the investigation was started in early 2022 in response to a “significant” increase in the theft of the devices.
The men arrested are awaiting trial on charges of trafficking in stolen property.
ICBC figures show thefts of catalytic converters led to over $4 million in claims in 2021, up from about $350,000 in 2017.
In most cases, vehicles can’t be driven without a catalytic converter, which controls vehicles’ exhaust emissions and reduces pollutants.
Sidney/North Saanich issued a warning this week about an increase in catalytic-converter thefts, while Shawnigan Lake RCMP said they found three catalytic converters in December that were thought to have been cut from vehicles.
A 34-year man was arrested in that case.
Catalytic converters, which cost $200 to $1,500, contain such precious metals as platinum and rhodium, and can be sold for salvage for $200 to $2,000.
Thieves can cut them from a vehicle in less than two minutes with a hacksaw or other sharp tool.
Thefts frequently happen at night in secluded, poorly lit areas, and sometimes in residential driveways.
If you see what looks like a catalytic converter theft taking place, call 911, or call Victoria police at 250-995-7654, extension 1, if you observe suspicious activity in the city.
