Calgary police, Kal Tire partner to engrave catalytic converters

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) is partnering with Kal Tire to help prevent catalytic converter thefts by offering to engrave vehicle identification numbers (VIN) on the exhaust devices.

Starting Wednesday, Jan. 11, Calgarians can book appointments at any Kal Tire location to get their VIN engraved onto their vehicle’s catalytic converter.

Police say this can help them track stolen converters through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database.

Officers add scrap metal recycling businesses and private buyers will have an easier time identifying stolen goods if they are engraved and the seller doesn’t have proof of ownership.

There were 205 reported catalytic converter thefts reported in 2019, 300 in 2020, 1,560 in 2021, and a staggering 3,174 reports of thefts from January to November 2022.

CPS says full data for 2022 will be released later this month.

According to police, these numbers only reflect reported incidents and it’s likely far more thefts occurred that were not reported.

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“We are aware that a large number of catalytic converter thefts are not being reported as people worry they are tying up police resources, or that it will be too difficult for the suspect to be located and held accountable,” CPS Community Resource Officer, Const. Brent Podesky said. “It’s important for citizens to know that each report, no matter how small, is taken seriously and helps us develop prevention initiatives, such as the engraving program with Kal Tire.”

People usually steal catalytic converters for the metal used to make them, and they are often easy to take. Police say thieves only need a few minutes to remove them from vehicles, and it’s common for officers to get reports of thefts during the day.

“With catalytic converter thefts on the rise in Calgary, Kal Tire is proud to partner with the Calgary Police Service to help drivers protect their vehicles,” Kal Tire Regional Director of Urban Retail Stores, Mike Butcher said. “Engraving your VIN on your catalytic converter is an effective way to help prevent this costly and growing problem, so our teams are happy to dedicate resources to help.”

Calgarians have until March to schedule an engraving appointment with Kal Tire, which will take about an hour and cost about $40. The appointment includes a free visual tire and brake inspection and “two small window decals that indicate the catalytic converter has been engraved with the vehicle’s VIN.”

Meanwhile, police say to prevent your vehicle’s catalytic converter from being stolen, you can install home security alarms, cameras, and car alarms, and park in an enclosed garage or a well-lit area.

To report a theft, call Calgary police at 403-266-1234, or call 9-1-1 for a crime in progress.