New funding announced for initiative to reduce catalytic converter thefts
Posted July 10, 2023 11:46 am.
The Winnipeg Police Service has announced funding for an initiative to try and reduce the number of stolen catalytic converters.
The initiative — “Save Your Cat” — will allow Winnipeggers to take 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.
The program is used by police forces in other parts of Canada, as a deterrent for thieves, as an engraved catalytic converter will not be accepted at a scrap dealer since the new Provincial scrap metal act was enacted.
WPS is working alongside the Manitoba Justice and Winnipeg Crime Stoppers for the initiative, and says 70 local auto shops have offered this service at no cost to the vehicle owner when it is in for other service work.
“Although we have seen an 80 per cent drop in the first six months of 2023 compared to 2022, in Winnipeg it still represents almost $1,000,000 of stolen converters. We have seen a 70 per cent drop province wide during this time.”
The Manitoba Motor Dealers Association (MMDA) says they are also working with 30 dealers to support the program.
Crime Stoppers says if anyone has any information regarding individuals committing catalytic converters thefts or purchasing stolen catalytic converters, may receive up to $2,000.
