Hamilton

Police follow sound of power tools to man cutting out catalytic converter

A 32-year-old Brampton man is facing charges including possession of burglary tools and theft under $5,000.

Brampton man facing charges including possession of burglary tools, theft under $5K

Police have warned residents that thieves are targeting catalytic converters on larger SUVs. (CBC)

Hamilton police say the sound of power tools, early Monday morning, led them to a Brampton man who was cutting out catalytic converters.

Dozens of vehicles across the region have been hit by catalytic converter thefts in recent months, according to investigators. The converters — a component of a car's exhaust system — are removed for their high value metal, which is then sold at scrap metal yards.

Police say officers saw a man holding a bag of tools walking away from a group of parked cars in a nearby parking lot.

They arrested the 32-year-old and found two catalytic converters nearby.

Investigators say the Brampton man was recently arrested for a similar crime.

He's charged with theft, possession of stolen property and mischief all under $5,000, along with possession of burglary tools.