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At least 118 cases of catalytic converter theft in Hamilton and Burlington since October

Halton police say they've seen at least 52 catalytic converters thefts since October 2019 and Hamilton police have seen 66 incidents in December 2019 and January 2020 alone.

Four people are under arrest for trying to steal a catalytic converter from a parked vehicle at Aldershot GO

CBC News ·
An unseen man holds up a catalytic converter, which is thick in the middle with pipes coming out either end.
Hamilton and Halton police warn of thieves crawling under vehicles and cutting away the catalytic converters for the precious metals inside. (Robert F. Bukaty/The Associated Press)

Halton police have arrested three men and a woman from Hamilton after they were caught stealing a catalytic converter from a parked vehicle at Aldershot GO Station.

The case is just one of 52 cases of catalytic converter theft in Burlington in recent months, mirroring the dramatic rise seen in Hamilton, which reports 66 incidents in the last two months.

That's already more than what they saw in the six months between April and October of 2019, and puts the combined total for the two cities at 118 in recent months.

"The increase has been quite significant from [October 2019] to now," Hamilton police Const. Lorraine Edwards tells CBC News.

Halton police officers were patrolling parking lots in Burlington on Tuesday, something they say the service started in October after seeing a rise in catalytic converter thefts.

As they scanned the lot at Aldershot GO, they noticed four suspects trying their luck.

Officers say they quickly arrested the suspects without incident and have the catalytic converter.

The suspects, ranging from 28 to 34 years old, face a number of charges.

This follows a case in Hamilton earlier this week which saw officers arrest a Brampton man who was cutting out catalytic converters with power tools.

Hamilton police say thieves are targeting catalytic converters, mainly on larger SUVs. (CBC)

Why thieves target catalytic converters

Thieves crawl under vehicles and cutting away the catalytic converters converters — a component of a car's exhaust system — for their high value metal, which they sell at scrap metal yards. 

Officers say larger-style SUVs are being targeted because of how accessible it is to take the converter. It can be removed in less than two minutes.

How to protect your vehicle

Police are also issuing the following reminders to the public: 

  • Park your vehicle in well-lit areas. 

  • Park closer to pedestrian or vehicle traffic to ensure the car isn't isolated. 

  • Check if the area has video surveillance. 

  • Contact the police if you notice a loud muffler-related noise and loss of engine-power when starting your vehicle. 
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