The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has launched a new program to combat catalytic converter thefts.
EPS has teamed up with Kal-Tire and AMA to bring in the ''Tag Your Cat' program which encourages drivers to have their catalytic converters engraved with the vehicle's VIN number as well as place a warning sticker for any potential thieves.
"Engraving the VIN on your vehicle’s catalytic converter and having the warning decal visible will help deter thieves and reduce the chance of it being stolen," said EPS Superintendent Derek McIntyre.
"If the auto part is stolen, police now have the means of linking it back to the crime and holding thieves and scrap metal recyclers accountable."
Between 2020 and 2022 EPS saw catalytic converter thefts rise an alarming 80 per cent. That trend seems to have continued on in 2023.
Catalytic converters are often the target of theft due to the precious metals inside that can be resold at high prices.
"Last year, catalytic converter thefts cost Edmontonians nearly $20 million in replacement costs," said McIntyre. "While a thief might get $200 at a metal recycler for [a catalytic converter], the person who owns [the catalytic converter] will pay up to $2000 to have it replaced on their vehicles."
"These are not insignificant costs for Edmontonians and Albertans."
Engraving will be made available province-wide at Kal-Tire locations at an initial cost of $40. That price-tag only covers the engraving of one converter, with any additional engraving running an extra $20 per unit. AMA customers will receive a five per cent discount on the service.
"Starting today until the end of August, vehicle owners are invited to book catalytic converter engravings appointments by phone at all participating Kal-Tire locations," said Mehmet Tezcan, the zone manager of Kal-Tire.
"Customers with booked appointments should expect an engraving procedure to take approximately one hour."
Similar programs across the country have proven to be effective. In Winnipeg, thefts decreased by 75 per cent a year after their engraving program launched.
"If a [catalytic converter] is stolen, now the police have somewhere to start," said McIntyre. "They can connect a person in possession of a catalytic converter that has the VIN etched on it, they can connect an auto recycler who is taking in catalytic converters that are stolen with VINs etched on them to the point of theft and that is the link in the chain that we need in an investigation to pursue charges."
"We want to make it impossible for thieves to continue to capitalize on this crime of opportunity."