Catalytic converter thefts up 432% over 2018 in Calgary

Calgary police are dealing with a four-fold increase in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles. In 2018 there were 48 catalytic converter thefts reported in Calgary compared to 205 already this year. Catalytic converters contain precious metals like platinum, which can be extracted and sold. "It's not only the platinum that comes from catalytic converters, but there's other precious metals as well," said Calgary police Sgt. Doug Crippen. "We've actually developed strong relationships wi