Spike in catalytic converter thefts observed in Milton and Halton Hills

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is advising residents of an observed spike in catalytic converter thefts in Milton and Halton Hills.

According to police, this trend is being observed across North America as a whole, however, in Halton, there has been a spike in the number of thefts in both Milton and Halton Hills.

Police say between Mar. 1 and Apr. 12, 2022, a total of 29 catalytic converters were stolen in both towns.

A significant number of these thefts have occurred on weekends and almost all of them have occurred overnight, according to police.

Police say thieves are targeting vehicles parked in quiet industrial lots and large apartment buildings, but are warning the community that these thefts can occur anywhere and that it can take a thief as little as 60 seconds to remove a vehicle’s catalytic converter.

Additionally, the precious metals inside a catalytic converter unit have significantly increased in value, which has likely contributed to the surge in thefts.

HRPS officers are conducting targeted patrols in industrial areas, self-storage units and parking lots throughout the region, but residents are still urged to take extra precautions and report any suspicious activity.

Police recommend that vehicles be parked in locked, well-lit areas and to park vehicles in a way that makes it harder to access the underside, such as against a wall or by other vehicles.

Additionally, police are reminding residents that vehicle alarms and CCTV cameras can also act as a deterrent to thieves.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2416.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.