VANCOUVER — Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise, and some of them can turn violent, Vancouver police are warning.
Fourteen catalytic converter thefts have been reported this year in Metro Vancouver where the victim was assaulted during the theft — more than double the six incidents in 2020. In Vancouver, there have been four such cases, compared with none the previous year.
Catalytic converters are located underneath a vehicle as part of its exhaust system. They are targeted for theft because of the precious metals inside them.
“Most of these incidents involve bear or pepper spray, but in one case, a pellet gun was used,” said Const. Tania Visintin.
In the most recent case, a 41-year-old Vancouver woman was pepper-sprayed on Monday after she confronted two men while they were removing the catalytic converter from her vehicle, which was parked near Renfrew Street and East 1st Avenue. The two men got away.
Police said the public should call 911 and not approach the suspect if they witness the thefts in progress.
“We want people to be a good witness,” said Visintin. “Get to a place of safety in order to give police the most accurate, up-to-date info so we can make an arrest.”
Vancouver police have received 425 reports of catalytic converter thefts this year up to Oct. 5, already more than double the 204 thefts last year.
In July, Vancouver police’s property crime unit launched an investigation into two prolific offenders who were responsible for stealing four catalytic converters in one night. The pair has been charged with theft and possession of stolen property, said police.
