AMA campaign looking to curb catalytic converter thefts

The theft of catalytic converters has continued to be a big issue in our country.

The Alberta Motor Association has partnered with local law enforcement and Kal Tire locations across the province to address this issue.

Jane Flower, the vice president of corporate purpose with the AMA says that engraving the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN onto a catalytic converter will help prevent the theft of the precious metals inside including platinum, rhodium, and palladium.

“The thief will then know that we can track back, law enforcement can track back not only where the catalytic converter came from, but potentially back to the thieves that are stealing these and selling them. So there’s no guarantee that this is going to prevent it, but it will act as a deterrent. And it’s one step in this process of trying to eliminate this kind of problem.”

Officials say a recent survey by the AMA found that only 30 per cent of people think that the theft of a catalytic converter will happen to them. The initiative runs until August 31st.