(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)
August 25, 2020 - 7:30 PM
Charges have been sworn against three Surrey men in connection to a series of catalytic converter thefts.
Thieves target catalytic converters for the valuable metals, which are sold as scrap for cash. Vehicles that are higher up from the ground, such as minivans or SUV’s, are targeted more frequently as the the catalytic converter is more accessible, according to an RCMP press release.
In response to a spike in catalytic converter thefts in the Lower Mainland, Surrey RCMP initiated the Property Crime Target Team in September 2019.
As a result of this ongoing investigation 39-year-old Stephen Pelland, 40-year-old Chad Pollard and 49-year-old Richard Mantler, all from Surrey, were collectively charged with 13 offences related to the theft of catalytic converters.
The charges against the three men were laid between July and August for offences that allegedly occurred between March and July.
"Catalytic converter thefts are not only a financial burden for the vehicle owner, but they contribute to the rise in insurance premiums which impacts all B.C. vehicle owners," Surrey RCMP Cpl. Sean McInnes said in a release. "Our team will continue to strategically target the theft of vehicle parts, which have a significant community impact."
Anyone with information about auto crime is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477.
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