Edmonton Police
Business, General

Kal Tire, AMA offer discounted engraving to combat catalytic converter theft

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Chief and converters
EPS Chief Dale McFee (left) speaks next to EPF Chair Ashif Mawji during the launch of the Catalytic Converter Challenge that will utilize the Community Solutions Accelerator (CSA) to seek ideas and technological innovations from the public to help solve the problem of rising catalytic converter theft, and offer up to $50,000 for a viable solution during a news conference in Edmonton, on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022. Photo by Ian Kucerak Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
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A new partnership aims to combat a tsunami of catalytic converter thefts in the Edmonton area.

The devices, coveted for the precious metals like platinum and palladium they contain, are being cut from cars and trucks and carried off at an alarming rate according to the Edmonton Police Service, the Alberta Motor Association and Kal Tire. Such thefts increased 80 per cent between 2020 and 2022.

“It’s a growing problem that has very real consequences for those affected,” the AMA wrote in a news release. “Those consequences can include time lost to repairs, money needed to pay for repairs, and the hit that a person can feel to their sense of personal security.”

An AMA survey showed that nine in 10 Albertans are aware of the increase in converter thefts, but just three in 10 believe it will happen to them. So, the EPS and the AMA are partnering with the tire retailer to offer at-cost VIN number engravings: $40 for the first converter, and $20 for each additional converter on the vehicle.

Each vehicle will also receive a pair of warning decals to let potential thieves know that the converter is traceable.

“Catalytic converter engraving is an easy way for us to help law enforcement and be proactive against this pervasive crime,” Jeff Kasbrick, AMA’s vice-president of advocacy and operations, said in the release. “That’s why we’re pleased to be partnering with Kal Tire in this joint effort to support the work of law enforcement in communities across Alberta.”

The service will be available at participating Kal Tire locations in Edmonton until Aug. 31. Kal Tire will also provide at-cost engraving of catalytic converters at select locations across Alberta: also participating in the engraving program this summer are the Camrose Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, and Medicine Hat Police Service.

This follows a similar “successful program” the Calgary Police Service ran earlier this year.

“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,” EPS crime suppression and investigation division Supt. Derek McIntyre said in the release. “We want to make it impossible for thieves to make money from this crime of opportunity, and we are very grateful for the support of the AMA and Kal Tire in helping us address this multimillion-dollar problem.”

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