ON June 8 at approximately 7:30 p.m., a Delta Police officer observed suspects stealing a catalytic converter. The suspect vehicle was pulled over and three suspects were arrested.

A search of the suspect vehicle turned up four stolen catalytic converters, a variety of battery-powered saws, saw blades and other tools, including a jack and jack stands, used to commit catalytic converter thefts.

Two of the three suspects were found to be breaching undertaking conditions from prior criminal offences currently before the courts.

A 32-year-old man from Edmonton, Alberta, has been released on an undertaking.  Recommended charges include one count of theft under $5,000, one count of possession of stolen property, and one count of failing to comply with an undertaking.

A 31-year-old woman from Edmonton, Alberta, has been released on an undertaking.  Recommended charges include two counts of theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property, and one count of failing to comply with an undertaking.

A third suspect, a 30-year-old man from Surrey, was arrested and released on an undertaking with a charge recommendation of one count of theft under $5,000 and one count of possession of stolen property.

Police said that identities of the accused will not be released until charge approval has been completed by BC Prosecution Services.

The vehicle used during the theft, the tools, and the stolen property have been seized.

Delta Police said that year to date, it has received a total of 144 reports of catalytic converter theft. Catalytic converters are stolen because they contain small quantities of precious metals that have a high monetary value when recycled or reclaimed.