A report released this week by Allstate Insurance shows claims submitted in 2022 for the theft of catalytic converters, an exhaust emissions control device, rose by 60 per cent over the previous year. Further, the volume of claims for this type of theft has increased by 1,710 per cent since 2018.
The Allstate claims data also shows the average payout to repair a vehicle with a missing catalytic converter was approximately $2,900 in 2022, an amount that rose 21 per cent over the previous year and is up 81 per cent from 2020, the company said in a release.
Theft of this vehicle part has spread across the country because catalytic converters often use rare or precious metals like palladium, rhodium and platinum in the treatment of exhaust gases. Since the metals are valuable on the resale market, the items are often stolen.
It can be difficult for drivers to notice if their catalytic converter was stolen from their vehicle, until they start it up. As an exhaust system helps control engine noise, the vehicle will sound considerably louder both when the engine is turned on and when accelerating. Drivers may also notice a more intense smell of exhaust.
“Any gasoline-powered vehicle, including pickup trucks, SUVs and luxury cars, regardless of the brand or manufacturer, can be targeted. It can also be hard to know the catalytic converter is missing until you turn the ignition on, and your car begins making very loud noises,” says Gene Myles, agency manager, Allstate. “With the right tools, an individual can steal a catalytic converter in a matter of minutes, but there are a number of steps vehicle owners can take to reduce the risk of this type of theft.”
The report offers the following tips that could help prevent catalytic converter theft:
- Hire a mechanic to apply theft prevention measures, such as a cage or protective plate over the catalytic converter.
- Contact a professional to etch the unique vehicle identification number (VIN) on major parts of the car, which can help reduce the risk of theft or aid in recovery if found by authorities.
- Add video surveillance to the area where you park your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit areas, or park the vehicle inside in a garage.
- If possible, adjust the security system of your car to activate from vibrations.
MAY 31
3:31 PM | Waterloo Regional Police received a report of a theft from a vehicle in Elmira. Sometime during the overnight hours, two unknown individuals entered an unlocked vehicle parked on Poffenroth Path and stole personal property. Anyone with information is asked to call police. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers.
JUNE 1
9:00 AM | Emergency services responded to a report that a small-engine aircraft had made a controlled landing in a Woolwich Township field in the area of Fife Road and Chilligo Road. Police located the aircraft and pilot, who advised of a mechanical malfunction. The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft, and no physical injuries were sustained. The investigation is ongoing by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
5:00 PM | Waterloo Regional Police laid 14 charges in connection to a road rage incident in Wilmot Township after officers responded to the area of Mill Street and Beck Street for a report of a male pointing a firearm at another driver following a road rage incident. No one was injured. A 49-year-old Wilmot man’s list of charges includes ‘possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose,’ ‘unauthorized possession of a firearm’ (four counts), ‘unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle,’ ‘using a firearm in the commission of an offence,’ ‘pointing a firearm’ and ‘assault with a weapon.’ He was held in police custody for a bail hearing.
JUNE 2
12:06 PM | Emergency services responded to Moser Young Line and Boomer Line in Wellesley Township following a collision involving two vehicles. The initial investigation determined that a farm tractor travelling north on Moser Young Road was struck by a dump truck also travelling north, causing both vehicles to leave the roadway. The driver of the tractor, a 41-year-old Wallenstein man, sustained minor physical injuries. The driver of the dump truck, a 73-year-old from British Columbia, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dash camera footage is encouraged to call the Traffic Services Unit at 519-570-9777, extension 8856.
2:34 PM | Emergency crews responded to the intersection of Line 86 and Side Road 19 near Wallenstein after a black SUV travelling south on Line 86 and a white truck travelling north on Line 86 were involved in a collision. The passenger in the SUV, an 83-year-old woman from Drayton, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to an out-of-region hospital by air ambulance. The driver of the SUV, an 84-year-old man from Drayton, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services. The driver of the truck, a 29-year-old man from Dundalk, and two passengers, a 30-year-old female and an 8-year-old male, did not sustain any physical injuries in the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dash camera footage is encouraged to call the Traffic Services Unit at 519-570-9777, extension 8856. To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
10:04 PM | Police received a report of two unknown individuals inside Elmira District Secondary School. Through investigation, police determined that one unknown male gained access to the school through a basement window and let a second male in through the exit doors. Police searched the school and did not locate the suspects. There was no indication of any property damage or theft inside the school. Anyone with information is asked to call police. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers.
JUNE 3
5:36 PM | Police received a report of a break-in to a storage container located on Line 86 in Woolwich Township. Early the previous morning, an unknown person entered the storage unit and stole property. Anyone with information is asked to call police. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers.
JUNE 4
10:15 PM | Police received a report of a carjacking from the roadside of Arthur Street North. The vehicle driver pulled over to the shoulder of the road and exited the vehicle to put air into a tire. The driver was approached by two unknown males who exited a dark-coloured SUV. One of the males pushed the driver aside and both males got into the vehicle. The vehicle was last seen travelling north on Arthur Street North towards North Woolwich. There were no injuries. Police say the investigation is ongoing, and ask that anyone with information or video footage is asked to call them at 519-570-9777. To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
10:30 PM | Emergency services responded to a report of a fire in the public washroom at the Wellesley Community Centre on Maple Leaf Street. The Wellesley Township Fire Department extinguished the fire. Damage to the washroom was extensive, but no one was injured. The investigation is ongoing, and the fire is believed to be arson. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777. To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
JUNE 6
1:00 PM | Perth County OPP responded to a serious collision on Perth Road 86 near Dorking. Initial reports indicated that a grey sedan and grey SUV had collided and all three occupants were seriously injured. The 66-year-old driver of the SUV was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The 67-year-old passenger of the sedan was airlifted to a trauma centre with life-threatening-injuries, while driver, a 65-year-old from North Perth, was pronounced deceased at scene. The investigation is ongoing, and the Office of the Chief Coroner was notified. Investigators are asking anyone with information related to this incident to call police at 1-888-310-1122.
2:25 PM | As a result of an ongoing investigation, Wellington County OPP laid charges against a student in relation to sharing intimate images. It was reported that students from a school in Wellington County had shared intimate images of a 14-year-old student in a social media chat group. A 15-year-old from Wellington County was charged with ‘imports, distributes, sells or posses for the purpose of distribution or sale any child pornography’ and ‘make intimate image available without consent,’ contrary to the Criminal Code. The youth is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph.
