CHARGES have been sworn against three men in connection with a series of catalytic converter thefts in Surrey.

In response to the rise of catalytic converter thefts, the Surrey RCMP Property Crime Target Team (PCTT) officers initiated a project in September 2019. Across the Lower Mainland, thieves have targeted catalytic converters for their valuable metals which are then converted to cash when they are sold as scrap. Thieves often target vehicles that are higher up from the ground, such as minivans or SUV’s, to allow easier access to the underside where the catalytic converter is located, say Surrey RCMP.

As a result of the on-going PCTT investigation, 39-year-old Stephen Pelland, 40-year-old Chad Pollard, and 49-year-old Richard Mantler, were collectively charged with 13 offences related to the theft of catalytic converters, which allegedly occurred between March through July. These charges were laid between July and August.

“Catalytic converter thefts are not only a financial burden for the vehicle owner, but they contribute to the rise in insurance premiums which impacts all B.C. vehicle owners,” says Corporal Sean McInnes of the Surrey RCMP Property Crime Target Team. “Our team will continue to strategically target the theft of vehicle parts, which have a significant community impact.”

Anyone with information about auto crime is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.