Forty-one catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area in the first half of 2022. Nine more attempts were also made at stealing one, according to the Oceanside RCMP.
Although the offences were reported in all areas, they are predominant at night in low-traffic areas, such as closed business parking lots and off-highway parking areas, said Sgt. Shane Worth, media relations officer.
“Police are reminding vehicle owners to park their vehicles, when possible, in well-lit, high-traffic areas or garages to prevent these thefts from occurring,” said Wright. “If anyone has any information about these thefts or sees suspicious activity at night-time around parked vehicles, please call the detachment at 250-248-6111.”
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Catalytic converters are exhaust emission control devices installed underneath vehicles and are easily accessible by thieves, Wright noted.
They are stolen because of the valuable precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium used in their manufacturing.
— NEWS Staff, submitted
