Chilliwack RCMP issue warning after catalytic converter thefts at local lakes
Mounties in Chilliwack are warning the public about a string of recent catalytic converter thefts at a pair of local recreation areas.
Chilliwack RCMP say in a news release that they've seen several of the parts stolen from vehicles parked at Lindeman Lake and Chilliwack Lake over the last few weeks.
"Thieves are targeting unoccupied vehicles at these locations," says Sgt. Krista Vrolyk, spokesperson for Chilliwack RCMP.
"The thefts are occurring both during the day and overnight," Vrolyk added. "Chilliwack RCMP are asking the public to be aware and to report any suspicious activity – particularly in and around Chilliwack Lake and Lindeman Lake recreation areas."
Catalytic converters control exhaust emissions on vehicles, and contain precious metals that attract thieves when the value of those metals rises.
According to ICBC, claims for catalytic converter thefts have increased from 89 claims in 2017 to 158 in 2018, 602 in 2019, 1,065 in 2020 and 1,953 in 2021.
The cost of those claims has grown from $356,950 in 2017 to $4.06 million in 2021, according to the insurance corporation.
Earlier this year, the province announced that it had closed a loophole that allowed thieves to anonymously sell stolen catalytic converters to scrap-metal dealers.
The change hasn't eliminated the crime, however. Earlier this week, Mounties with the Oceanside detachment on Vancouver Island announced that they had seen a dramatic increase in catalytic converter thefts in 2022 so far.
The recent Chilliwack thefts remain under investigation, police said, adding that drivers can deter catalytic converter thefts by parking in secure garages when possible, parking in locations where it is difficult for thieves to get underneath the vehicle, and installing products designed to deter catalytic converter thefts – such as protective cages, alarms and straps.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.