Residents within the Central Okanagan have been hit hard by catalytic converter thefts this yr, with 78 thefts reported to police between Lake Country and Peachland, B.C., but it surely’s an issue being felt virtually in every single place.
“It’s increasing all across, not only Kelowna, but all across British Columbia and Canada,” explained Kelowna RCMP Const. Mike Della-Paolera.
“There’s a metal within the catalytic converters that apparently may be very invaluable, they usually’re stealing it since it’s a straightforward thing to steal, and we don’t know where it’s going.”
Many stolen catalytic converters make their solution to metal recycling centres that accept the used part in exchange for money. While the B.C. government made it a requirement last yr to report all sales of catalytic converters, including information in regards to the seller to police on the day of sale, there are some smaller scrap metal dealers in the world where that will not be happening.
Actually, some scrap metal dealers in the world even advertise money on the spot in exchange for the part. Global News contacted several of those businesses, but none of them were willing to present a comment.
“Once it gets into those kinds of companies, it’s gone,” said Della-Paolera.
“We are able to’t even trace the issue of the catalytic converters if there’s no real markings on them. Once they’re cut off a vehicle they usually’re down the road, we will’t trace it back to that vehicle.”
Budget Brake and Muffler on Enterprise Way in Kelowna has been busy for the primary several months of this yr, replacing over 20 catalytic converters.
“January and February there was a few weeks where it was really, really apparent what was happening,” said Budget Brake and Muffler shop manager, Jordan McGill.
McGill added that metal recycling shops have to be more closely monitored to be able to get a handle on the growing problem.
“We do need just a little bit more enforcement on it,” suggested McGill.
“People need to only pay attention to what’s happening, keeping track of metal recyclers and stuff like that, and that’s where it’s getting in my opinion.”
While a concrete solution to the issue stays to be seen, Kelowna RCMP say they’re within the technique of coming up with a plan.
“We’re working with our partners, we’re working with recycling plants, and other community partners to attempt to work out an answer to this problem,” said Della-Paolera.
Kelowna RCMP are reminding residents that the sound of a catalytic converter being removed is an especially loud, yet quick process.
You’re asked to contact police for those who see anything suspicious.
