Calgary vehicle owners can prevent catalytic converter theft with new engraving program
Calgarians can now protect themselves against the theft of their catalytic converter by heading to Kal Tire to have theirs engraved with their vehicle’s VIN.
The project, a partnership between Calgary police and Kal Tire, was announced on Wednesday and launched the same day.
Vehicle owners can have the engraving done at any Kal Tire location across Calgary until the end of March.
The cost of the hour-long service is $40 and incudes a free visual tire and brake inspection.
Customers will also receive two small window decals that indicate the catalytic converter has been engraved with the vehicle’s VIN.
If catalytic converters are engraved, scrap metal recycling businesses and private buyers can use the marking to help identify if they are stolen by accessing the Canadian Police Information Centre database and asking the seller to provide proof of ownership.
If sellers can't provide proof of ownership, buyers shouldn't proceed with the purchase and will need to report it to police.
A photo showing a VIN (with some characters removed) engraved on a catalytic converter. (Kal Tire) In 2019, 205 catalytic converter thefts were reported to Calgary police.
In 2020, that number increased to 300.
By 2021, police saw a sizeable increase in the crime with 1,560 thefts reported.
From January to November 2022, police received 3,174 reports of stolen catalytic converters.
The motive for most catalytic converter thefts is due to the price of the precious metals used to make them.
"We are aware that a large number of catalytic converter thefts are not being reported as people worry they are tying up police resources, or that it will be too difficult for the suspect to be located and held accountable," says Const. Brent Podesky.
"It’s important for citizens to know that each report, no matter how small, is taken seriously and helps us develop prevention initiatives, such as the engraving program with Kal Tire."
OTHER WAYS TO DISCOURAGE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT
In addition to engraving your catalytic converter, Calgary police are encouraging citizens to install home security alarms and cameras, and car alarms, to help prevent thefts.
Drivers are also encouraged to park in a closed, secured garage if possible or, if not, a well-lit area outside.
To report a theft, contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or call 911 for a crime in progress.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.