Kal Tire, AMA Discount Engraving to Fight Catalytic Converter Theft

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“We want to make it impossible for thieves to make money on this crime of opportunity.”

Published July 09, 2023 Last updated 2 hours ago 2 minute read

EPS Chief Dale McFee speaks during the catalytic converter challenge launch to seek ideas and technology innovations from the public to help solve the problem of increasing catalytic converter theft and offer up to $50,000 for a viable solution, during a press conference in Edmonton on August 31, 2022. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia, File Article Content

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 hauled off at an alarming rate according to the Edmonton Police Service, the Alberta Motor Association and Kal Tire. Such thefts increased by 80% between 2020 and 2022.

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

An AMA survey showed that nine out of 10 Albertans are aware of the increase in converter thefts, but only three out of 10 believe it will happen to them. Therefore, the EPS and AMA are working with the tire dealer to offer VIN number engravings for a cost: $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 would-be thieves know that the converter is traceable.

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The catalytic converter hack is an easy way for us to help law enforcement and be proactive against this pervasive crime, Jeff Kasbrick, AMA’s vice president of defense and operations, said in the release. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with Kal Tire in this joint effort to support the work of law enforcement in communities across Alberta.

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The service will be available at participating Kal Tire locations in Edmonton through August 31. Kal Tire will also provide cost-effective etching of catalytic converters at select locations throughout Alberta. Also participating in the etching 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 conducted 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 Division and Supt Investigations. Derek McIntyre said in the release. We want to make it impossible for thieves to make money from this crime of opportunity and are very grateful for the support of the AMA and Kal Tire in helping us address this multi-million dollar problem.

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