iN VIDEO: Coquitlam thieves captured on video stealing catalytic converter

After a large uptick in thefts of catalytic converters around Coquitlam, police are urging residents to be wary.

On average there were eight catalytic converter thefts per month reported to the Coquitlam RCMP between January and July 2019. During that same period this year, the average number of reports climbed to 13 per month. 

RCMP released a security video that shows several individuals stealing a catalytic converter to raise awareness about the issue and how quickly and easily it can be done. 

"Information from the public is key for making arrests and building crime activity maps," Const. Deanna Law said in an RCMP press release.

"Security video can provide important evidence. At times the smallest details can connect and solve more than one crime."

Police suggest installing good lighting and functional security cameras, and enabling a vehicle alarm that is activated by vibrations, such as those produced by electrical tools. When locking the vehicle in a garage is not possible, residents can also install a catalytic converter-specific security device, or have it welded to the vehicle frame. Park in well-lit areas in view of security cameras, and keep an eye out for people under cars, especially late at night or in isolated parking lots.

The RCMP urges anyone who experiences a theft to report it to their local police and to call 911 if the crime is still in progress.

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