Calgary vehicle owners can prevent catalytic converter theft with new engraving program

Calgarians can now shield themselves in opposition to the theft of their catalytic converter by heading to Kal Tire to have theirs engraved with their automobile’s VIN.

The venture, a partnership between Calgary police and Kal Tire, was introduced on Wednesday and launched the identical day.

Vehicle house owners can have the engraving achieved at any Kal Tire location throughout Calgary till the top of March.

The price of the hour-long service is $40 and incudes a free visible tire and brake inspection.

Customers may also obtain two small window decals that point out the catalytic converter has been engraved with the automobile’s VIN.

If catalytic converters are engraved, scrap steel recycling companies and personal patrons can use the marking to assist determine if they’re stolen by accessing the Canadian Police Information Centre database and asking the vendor to offer proof of possession.

If sellers cannot present proof of possession, patrons should not proceed with the acquisition and might want to report it to police.

A photograph exhibiting a VIN (with some characters eliminated) engraved on a catalytic converter. (Kal Tire) In 2019, 205 catalytic converter thefts have been reported to Calgary police.

In 2020, that quantity elevated to 300.

By 2021, police noticed a sizeable enhance within the crime with 1,560 thefts reported.

From January to November 2022, police acquired 3,174 stories of stolen catalytic converters.

The motive for many catalytic converter thefts is because of the worth of the dear metals used to make them.

“We are aware that a large number of catalytic converter thefts are not being reported as people worry they are tying up police resources, or that it will be too difficult for the suspect to be located and held accountable,” says Const. Brent Podesky.

“It’s important for citizens to know that each report, no matter how small, is taken seriously and helps us develop prevention initiatives, such as the engraving program with Kal Tire.”

OTHER WAYS TO DISCOURAGE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT

In addition to engraving your catalytic converter, Calgary police are encouraging residents to put in house safety alarms and cameras, and automobile alarms, to assist forestall thefts.

Drivers are additionally inspired to park in a closed, secured storage if potential or, if not, a well-lit space outdoors.

To report a theft, contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or name 911 for against the law in progress.