Catalytic converter theft plummeting in Manitoba due to new programs
The provincial government says an engraving program for catalytic converters will now help reduce theft rates for the in-demand car parts in Manitoba.
The province is implementing a program that will allow vehicle owners to have the vehicle identification number (VIN) engraved directly onto their catalytic converter, making the parts traceable for police if stolen.
Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen said the program - started by Winnipeg Crime Stoppers - has caused catalytic converter theft rates to plummet in the city.
"This is not a 'Mission Accomplished' sign," said Goertzen at Friday's announcement. "But there were people a few months ago who said it was 'Mission Impossible,' it was going to be impossible to reduce catalytic converter theft. We have seen a very significant reduction, more than 80 per cent."
Recent statistics from Winnipeg police show reported catalytic converter thefts have dropped dramatically over the past few months, from a high of 353 in April, to 31 in August, and just 19 in September.
President of Winnipeg Crime Stoppers Paul Johnson said more than 500 catalytic converters have been engraved in Winnipeg so far.
"We're pretty pleased with it, we have 65 dealers that have stepped up and said they'll do this work for free when a person comes in," he said.
"It does seem to be working, but again, it’s not just one thing. I think the legislation, the fact that everybody's stepping up … as well as the efforts of law enforcement," said Johnson.
Goertzen also credits the provincial Scrap Metal Act, which went into effect in July, in helping to bring down catalytic converter thefts. Under that law, dealers must keep transaction records related to scrap metal purchases for two years. As well, cash transactions are not allowed over $50.
"It means a lot to people," he said. "Because they feel violated when they come out of a place where they've been and they find their vehicle has been tampered with and compromised in that way.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.