The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) has reported a significant drop in the theft of catalytic converters in 2023, with only 344 thefts reported compared to nearly 1,800 in 2022. This positive trend has continued into 2024, with only 12 thefts reported so far. This reduction is attributed to a provincial bill introduced two years ago that requires scrap metal dealers to follow strict regulations when buying or selling certain products. These regulations require individuals selling these items to provide government-issued identification and mandate scrap metal dealers to maintain detailed records of all transactions. The implementation of these measures has made it more difficult for criminals to dispose of stolen catalytic converters, leading to a decline in thefts.
Winnipeg Sees Sharp Decline in Catalytic Converter Thefts
