Vancouver police have received 425 reports of catalytic converter thefts this year, more than double the 204 thefts last year.
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Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise and some of them can turn violent, Vancouver police warned.
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There have been 14 catalytic converter thefts this year in Metro Vancouver, where the victim was assaulted during the robbery, more than double the six incidents in 2020. In Vancouver, there have been four such cases, compared to none the previous year .
“Most of these incidents involve bears or pepper spray, but in one case, a pellet gun was used,” Const said. Tania Visintin on Friday.
In the most recent case, a 41-year-old Vancouver woman was pepper-sprayed Monday after she confronted two men as they removed the catalytic converter from her vehicle, which was parked near Renfrew Street and East 1st Avenue. The two men escaped.
Police said the public should call 911 and not approach the suspect if they witness the ongoing robberies.
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“We want people to be a good witness,” Visintin said. “Go to a safe place to provide the police with the most accurate and up-to-date information so that we can make an arrest.”
Vancouver police have received 425 reports of catalytic converter thefts this year as of October 5, more than double the 204 thefts last year.
Catalytic converters are found under a vehicle as part of its exhaust system. They are subject to theft due to the precious metals they contain.
In July, the Vancouver Police Property Crimes Unit launched an investigation into two prolific criminals who were responsible for stealing four catalytic converters in one night. The couple have been charged with theft and possession of stolen property, police said.
Reference-vancouversun.com