In search of a payday, thieves increasingly crawling under Sask. vehicles and cutting out catalytic converters
A Saskatchewan auto repair shop is noticing a troubling trend — more catalytic converters are being stolen out of vehicles.
A catalytic converter, also known as a cat, is a device found under a vehicle that controls emissions exhaust.
Dean Matlock, owner of Minute Muffler, says he gets about 20 calls for cat repairs per week.
“They’re going under with a cordless (saw), stealing them in broad daylight,” Matlock tells CTV News at his shop.
Depending on the converter, the repair cost can range from $500 to $2,000.
Matlock says the precious metals inside the part are making it a hot ticket item for thieves.
“Rhodium, the price on it has really skyrocketed. It’s probably 10 times than it was a year ago,” he says.
THEFTS ON RISE
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) has seen a drastic spike in claims for catalytic converter thefts.
Last year, it received 34 claims. So far this year, 107 converter theft claims have been filed.
Saskatchewan business, Golden Mobility, has had five catalytic converters stolen in just three months.
Golden Mobility sells equipment such as walkers, scooters and accessible vehicles.
Owner Aaron Andre says last week, two catalytic converters were stolen from accessible busses used by a long-term care home.
“It’s super frustrating,” Andre says, standing by his fence that was cut open during the theft.
Andre has released surveillance footage on social media, that shows someone crawling under a vehicle and leaving with the converter.
UNDERGROUND MARKET EXISTS
Mark Riffel, owner of BN Metals Metal Recycling, says the converters are being sold on the black market since recyclers require ID.
He says sellers post ads on social media, meet up and do the sale in cash.
Riffel says the precious metals then are refined down, likely by another buyer.
Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) says it monitors social media for stolen property.
“At times, the item in question may align with an ongoing investigation where further follow-up is required,” SPS spokesperson Josh Grella told CTV News in an email.
So far this year SPS has had 135 reports of catalytic converter thefts — 56 occurred in June and July.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.