There is currently a surge of catalytic converter thefts in Manitoba. A catalytic converter convert pollutants from vehicle engines into less toxic emissions. These converters contain rhodium, palladium and platinum which can be sold in the black market for large amounts of money.
The catalytic converters are easily accessible under vehicles (especially high SUVs) and only takes minutes to cut off with a battery powered blade tool.
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has released a list of the top 10 targeted vehicles for catalytic converter thefts:
- Honda CRV (201 thefts)
- Hyundai Tucson (198 thefts)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (129 thefts)
- Kia Sportage (94 thefts)
- Honda Element (54 thefts)
- Ford E450 (52 thefts)
- Ford F150 (45 thefts)
- Toyota Prius (40 thefts)
- Ford E350 Van (33 thefts)
- Honda Pilot (32 thefts)
Winnipeg Police has reported that catalytic converter thefts has increased 415% over the last year. If you have one of the heavily targeted vehicles above, then you’ll want to take extra precautions of where you leave your vehicle parked.
