Since January 1, 2018, 83 occurrences of catalytic converter thefts have been reported citywide. In recent weeks, police are noticing a significant increase in catalytic converter thefts from Honda CRVs, with eight of these thefts occurring citywide since mid-April. Northeast Edmonton in particular has been the hardest hit, with seven of the eight instances of catalytic converter thefts occurring between April 19 and 30, 2018. Models built between 2003 and 2009 appear to be the primary targets.
Commercial parking lots and residential areas are the most commonly targeted locations, and thieves appear to be active during daytime hours.
While preventing the theft of catalytic converters can be challenging, investigators are advising drivers to park in well lit, highly visible locations with security cameras whenever possible, and report any suspicious activity in parking areas to police.
“The perpetrators appear to be crawling under the vehicles to cut the catalytic converters out,” says Sgt. Shelley Pinch, with Northeast Division. “Police are asking anyone who notices suspicious activity in parking areas, including individuals carrying power tools or loud noises consistent with the use of such tools, to contact police.”
Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.