Edmonton police warn of catalytic converter thefts from motorhomes

It’s an ongoing trend that ends up being a huge hassle for some motorists: catalytic converter thefts.

Edmonton Police Service is now advising motorhome owners they might be the next target for those out to make a few bucks, as the service received multiple reports over the last month of the thefts.

“Motorhomes are often parked in fenced storage lots in and around the city, in backyards or on parking pads adjacent to alleyways, sometimes for up to six months over the winter,” said Sgt. Derrick Tabaka, investigative coordinator with the provincial scrap metal intelligence unit of ALERT’s Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta (CISA).

“Unfortunately, thieves will take advantage of this often unmonitored time to steal a catalytic converter.

“Likewise, we are seeing them stolen when they are parked on the street in the spring as owners prep them for summer. It becomes a quick and easy access situation at this time of year.”

EPS says in 2020, there were 65 reports of catalytic converter thefts related to motorhomes. Of those, 38 occurred between April and June.

In 2021 that number increased to 98, with 32 being between April and June.

And so far in 2022, 19 thefts have been reported, with 11 happening in April.

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“Of all the reports received since 2020, 62 per cent were parked on residential streets or private properties. A pricey repair, the estimated replacement cost ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, with the most common models targeted belonging to the Ford Series,” said EPS in a statement.

EPS recommends taking the following precautions to help lower the risk of a catalytic converter theft:

• Avoid parking where a thief could discreetly crawl under your vehicle, is possible
• Engrave the converter with your vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Weld the converter to your vehicle to make it more difficult to remove
• Add a clamp or cage around the converter
• Purchase a vehicle alarm that is sensitive to the vibration

“Discovering your motorhome has been damaged by the theft of a catalytic converter is an awful and expensive way to start a season that so many of us look forward to,” said Tabaka. “We’re hopeful this warning and these tips will prevent this experience for many.”

If your catalytic converter has been stolen, contact Edmonton Police via the non-emergency line 780-423-4567 or you can file a report online.