RICHMOND RCMP, in partnership with the City of Richmond and ICBC, has launched the “You Etch It. We Catch It” program, aimed at combating catalytic converter theft and unlawful sales.
The new initiative, now available at participating Richmond automotive shops, invites vehicle owners to have the last eight digits of their VIN etched onto their catalytic converters during routine maintenance appointments at no extra cost. This etching serves as a crucial identifier to assist police in tracking stolen property and deterring potential thefts.
The Lower Mainland has seen a significant increase in catalytic converter thefts in recent years. According to ICBC, reported claims involving catalytic converters in the first seven months of 2023 totalled approximately $8.2 million. ICBC data also shows there were 6,143 catalytic converter thefts across B.C. in 2022, up from 89 in 2017. The theft of these converters, which can be executed swiftly and often undetected, poses a growing concern for vehicle owners due to the valuable metals they contain.
During a service visit, customers will be offered the free etching service. With the customer’s consent, the technician will etch the VIN onto the catalytic converter. A window cling label with the shop’s name will be placed on the driver’s side window as a program indicator. Shops will maintain a record of the etched vehicles.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to proactive community policing and our ongoing efforts to deter crime in Richmond. We urge the community to take advantage of this free service and join us in protecting their property,” said Chief Superintendent Dave Chauhan, Officer-in-Charge, Richmond RCMP, on Wednesday.
“Keeping our community safe is paramount,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The theft of catalytic converters is a crime that impacts more than just the owners of the vehicles involved. It impacts insurance costs, can have a major impact on our economy as people are unable to get to their workplace, and supports a black market in the handling of stolen goods. We will continue to support the Richmond RCMP in their community policing initiatives and encourage residents to take part in this important program.”
Richmond RCMP said they are actively inviting more shops to join this initiative. Interested parties can contact Richmond RCMP to participate and contribute to community safety.
For additional information, contact the Richmond RCMP Crime Prevention Unit at 604-278-1212 or via email at richmond_crime_prevention@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
