New Program Introduced to Help Curb Catalytic Converter Theft in Leduc – Edmonton | The Canadian News

The city of Leduc is on track to have one of its worst years for theft of catalytic converters.

So far this year, there have been 150 reports of converter thefts, most of them targeting trucks. It’s a huge jump compared to last year’s number of 106, while there were only 29 in 2019.

In an effort to stop thieves, the local RCMP has partnered with the city to host “You Etch It. We Catch It Program.”

This new strategy proposes that vehicle owners obtain the last eight digits of the vehicle identification number engraved on the converter for free at local engraving companies participating in the program.

By etching the VIN onto the part, RCMP said they would easily identify the owner of the part.

“Officers from the Leduc RCMP Detachment have found, on many occasions, suspects with catalytic converters in their possession; however, we have not been able to prove that they were stolen or return them to their rightful owners due to a lack of identifying information that connects them to the rightful owner, ”the press release says.

Junkyards have also been briefed on the new program, and now they know how to report parts with a VIN etched to the police.

“We hope this program continues to grow from here and that more companies continue to sign up,” said Inspector Jeff McBeth, Officer in Charge of Leduc RCMP.

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“We want to keep these catalytic converters in our community vehicles and out of the reach of criminals.”

Current companies enrolled in the program include Fountain Tire, Kal Tire, DK Ford, Leduc Chrysler, Jeep Dodge, Leduc Hyundai, LA Nissan, Schwab Chevrolet Buick GMC, and Canadian Tire.

Other companies wishing to participate in the program can contact Leduc RCMP.

Edmonton food bank struck again with robbery

The Edmonton Food Bank knows full well what it’s like to have the piece stolen.

For the fourth time in just over a year, the food bank had two of its delivery trucks damaged by thieves who stole catalytic converters, according to a tweet posted Tuesday afternoon.

RCMP said that if anyone sees suspicious activity or hears sawing or grinding noises near vehicles at night, they should call 911 immediately.

Police are urging homeowners to park in well-lit areas, near building entrances or in an area that has video surveillance, and to set the vehicle’s alarm to sound when it detects vibration.