A screenshot from the security video released by Coquitlam RCMP.
Image Credit: YOUTUBE / Coquitlam RCMP
August 21, 2020 - 7:30 AM
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.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Brie Welton or call (250) 819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2020