Catalytic converter theft on the rise in the Central Okanagan

The Kelowna RCMP is advising the public of an increase in catalytic converter thefts in the Central Okanagan and throughout BC.

Since Jan. 1, there have been 78 reported catalytic converter thefts from Lake Country stretching to Peachland, according to the RCMP.

In an effort to further these investigations, police are appealing to anyone that may have recorded video surveillance of any possible or confirmed catalytic thefts to contact them immediately.

Cst. Mike Della-Paolera, the media relations officer with the Kelowna RCMP, says the biggest investigational asset is vigilant community members.

“Surveillance footage is an immensely helpful resource that we lean on for identifying suspects and their patterns that can lead to an arrest,” Della-Paolera explains.

“If a thief knows they’re being recorded and the whole neighbourhood is on the lookout, they’ll be more likely to change their plans.”

The appeal of stealing one is less about resale value and more likely committed with the intention of selling it to a recycling facility for the small amount of valuable metal it contains.

Due to this theft being a noisy process, it is recommended to call the police if power tools are heard in the early hours of the morning and a suspicious person is underneath a car.

A few tips to prevent this theft, provided by the RCMP, include:

• Park in your home garage, if possible
• Use motion sensing exterior house lights if you park in your driveway
• Park in a well-lit area
• Keep a watchful eye in your neighbourhood and report anything that seems suspicious

A catalytic converter converts a vehicle’s harmful exhaust pollutants into less harmful emissions.

Anyone who has surveillance footage or information about these catalytic converter thefts is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP at (250) 762-3300.

Members of the public can also contact Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.