In 2021, vehicle accessories (including catalytic converters) replaced liquor as the most stolen property The Winnipeg Police Service 2021 Statistical Report. Over 1700 reported thefts were made to police in 2021, with the trend continuing into 2022.
The Winnipeg Police Service, Manitoba Justice and Crime Stoppers have all engaged in a multi-pronged approach to decrease the incidence of catalytic converter thefts.
As previously released, the Winnipeg Police Service's Property Crime Unit entered into a four-month investigation called "Project Precious." This project was named after the precious and lucrative metals found in the composition of a catalytic converter.
As a result of this project, in June 2022, two adults associated with a Springfield scrap metal dealer were arrested and charged in relation to purchasing and selling stolen catalytic converters.
In July, WPS arrested four more individuals during a traffic stop with stolen catalytic converters.
On the heels of Project Precious, the Province of Manitoba introduced a new bill requiring scrap metal dealers to follow strict regulations when buying and selling certain metal products. Anyone wishing to sell such restricted items must provide government identification at the time of sale, and dealers are required to keep accurate and up-to-date records of transactions.
Police also have the authority to conduct random checks at metal dealers and enforce the bill's new requirements.
With funding made available from Criminal Property Forfeiture, Crime Stoppers launched an engraving initiative called "Save Your Cat." Vehicle owners can bring their vehicle to auto service centres and have their catalytic converter engraved with the vehicle serial number (V.I.N) and painted with a high visibility paint. This program is a deterrent for thieves, as an engraved (stolen) cat will not be accepted at a scrap dealer since the enactment of the new Provincial scrap metal act.
Current Statistics:
2022 | Total # of Catalytic Converter Thefts |
Jan | 186 |
Feb | 219 |
Mar | 280 |
Apr | 353 |
May | 283 |
June | 122 |
July | 78 |
Aug | 31 |
Total | 1552 |
With a combination of Project Precious, ongoing police enforcement, the new scrap metal act and Crime Stopper's engraving program, the number of catalytic converter thefts reported to WPS has plummeted.
The Winnipeg Police Service encourages the public to remain mindful when parking your vehicle. Aim for a locked garage and a well-lit area when possible.
For more information on the scrap metal act and the "save your cat" program, follow the links below:
http://saveyourcat.ca/