Curbing Catalytic Converter Thefts
Catalytic converters are an essential part of vehicles. It’s also highly desired as it’s made with trace amounts of precious metals that are seeing an increase in value on global markets - making catalytic converters an increasingly valuable part to sell as scrap metal.
In Edmonton, catalytic converter thefts saw an increase of 25% from 2021 to 2022. In the first two weeks of 2023 alone, there were 130 thefts reported citywide.
I have heard from residents about their concerns and impacts related to catalytic converter thefts. So the question is: What can be done about this?
Earlier this week, Edmonton City Council supported options to help prevent catalytic converter thefts. From that discussion, here are the actions that are underway:
The City of Edmonton / Edmonton Police Commission are taking a joint advocacy approach for catalytic converter theft prevention to Federal and Provincial Governments. As an example, the Federal Government has jurisdiction to regulate manufacturing and imports - such as requiring a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to be etched during the manufacturing process which enhances traceability for enforcement. Additionally, the Provincial Government could strengthen existing Acts and Regulations to enhance traceability of sale of scrap metals, as another example.
The Edmonton Police Service is exploring a voluntary etching program - vehicle owners would opt to engrave a VIN number directly onto the catalytic converter. This helps confirm the converter is stolen and again helps with enforcement and prosecution.
City Administration is exploring an amendment to the Business Licence Bylaw 20002 that strengthen conditions on any business associated with the sale, collection, storage, or resale of catalytic converters, similar to conditions for second hand dealers and pawnbrokers. The City is working on this in collaboration with EPS to identify what would be helpful to take action on investigations and enforcement.
I’m excited to see action on this and hope other orders of government also take steps to address this issue. These actions are absolutely welcome to enhance theft prevention and safety for all vehicle owners.
