Police offer free catalytic converter theft prevention event in Mississauga

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Published January 23, 2023 at 9:57 am

catalytic converter theft mississauga
Peel Regional Police photo

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise but Peel Regional Police have a way to make the valuable part on cars a little less appealing.

Looking to make quick and good money, thieves have been more active in stealing catalytic converters from vehicles across the region, Peel Regional Police said last year.

A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system that reduces polluting emissions. It’s made of precious metals like palladium, platinum and rhodium, which make the car part especially valuable to thieves, and they’re relatively easy to remove from cars in about a minute.

After cutting a converter out of a vehicle, thieves can sell it on the scrap metal market. A converter from a car can get anywhere from $100 to $500 and $500 to $1,500 for a van or truck, according to AGR Insurance.

Catalytic converters don’t have serial numbers but drivers can have them engraved to help prevent theft.

“This may make the resale of the stolen part more difficult and can help identify the correct owner of the vehicle,” AGR notes.

In an effort to help prevent theft, police will etch catalytic converters in a one-day event on Jan. 28 at the City of Mississauga transportation yard at 3185 Mavis Rd. in Mississauga. Drivers can drop by from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The RCMP also note catalytic converter theft is predominantly a crime of opportunity and offer some other tips to prevent theft:

  • Park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances, when possible
  • Park your vehicle inside your garage, and keep all garage doors shut and locked
  • Business owners should secure their vehicles behind locked fences or inside a locked building
  • Set your car’s alarm to go off when it detects vibration

With files from Declan Finucane

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