RCMP warn that catalytic converters are being stolen in the Oceanside area

Mounties on Vancouver Island are warning the public that thieves in the Oceanside area are targeting catalytic converters from vehicles.

Oceanside RCMP said in a media release Thursday that since January a total of 41 catalytic converters — exhaust emission control devices — have been stolen from vehicles in the region while there have been nine attempted thefts of the valuable automotive part.

Catalytic converters are installed underneath vehicles and are easily accessible by thieves. They’ve become a popular target for thieves because they contain precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium, and can be easily resold.

Oceanside RCMP say although thefts occur anywhere at any time, they typically happen predominantly at night in low-traffic areas such as closed business parking lots and off-highway parking areas.

As a result, Oceanside RCMP are recommending owners to park their vehicles, when possible, in well-lit, high-traffic areas or garages to in order to prevent theft.

Anyone who has any information about any of the catalytic converter thefts in the region or sees suspicious activity at night time around parked vehicles is urged to contact the Oceanside RCMP at 250-248-6111.

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