Province taking steps to curb catalytic converter thefts - Action News
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New Brunswick

Province taking steps to curb catalytic converter thefts

Public Safety Minister Kris Austin said during the legislative assembly on Tuesday, he will be introducing amendments to the Salvage Dealers Licensing Act which will make it harder to sell stolen catalytic converters and other commonly stolen goods like plumbers lead, brass valves, copper, lead flashing and copper wire.

Amendments will be introduced Tuesday in the legislative assembly, says public safety minister

Man stands in front of cars and an RCMP officer. He speaks into a microphone.
Minister of Public Safety Kris Austin said he will be introducing legislation on Nov. 1 to make it harder to sell catalytic converters and other commonly stolen goods. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

Minister of Public Safety Kris Austin said it's no secret catalytic converter theft is an issue in New Brunswick.

"Once a catalytic converter is stolen, it's often taken to a salvage dealer in the province and sold for a couple hundred dollars. But it can cost thousands of dollars for the victims to replace these devices on their vehicles," said Austin, during a news conference at St. Croix Auto in Fredericton.

Austin said he will be introducing amendments to the Salvage Dealers Licensing Acton Tuesday which will make it harder to sell stolen catalytic converters and other commonly stolen goods like plumber's lead, brass valves, copper, lead flashing and copper wire.

The amendments would double the fines for salvage dealers who don't comply, said Austin. One of the more significant amendments being introduced, he said, is one prohibiting salvage dealers from paying cash for catalytic converters or other high-theft items.

Instead, they'll need to pay using cheque, e-transfer or another traceable method, said Austin.

"We know that in many of these cases, those who are stealing these items, they're doing it for quick and easy cash," he said. "By creating a paper trail, we aim to deter criminals from committing these crimes."

Man in RCMP uniform stands in front of cars.
Andy LeClair, the RCMP superintendent for the west district of New Brunswick, said car dealerships are often a target for catalytic converter theft. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

Austin said other proposed amendmentswould add catalytic converters and vehicle batteries to the list of high-theft items that require salvage dealers to record date of purchase, price paid, and the name and address of the person who sold the item.

Salvage dealers will also be required to record a government-issued identification document for high-theft items along with registration information of the vehiclefrom which the catalytic converter was removed.

Underside of a vehicle.
LeClair said catalytic converter thefts have increased across the country in the last few years, noting that in New Brunswick, catalytic converter theft is higher in the Moncton area. (David Mercer/CBC)

"We are focused on making the lives of criminals harder," said Austin. "And these amendments will do just that."

Andy LeClair, the RCMP superintendent for the west district of New Brunswick, said to reporters that the new amendments will put the province in a better position to close down the market for stolen goods. He said it's been done successfully in other provinces.

LeClair said catalytic converter thefts have increased across the country in the last few years, noting that in New Brunswick, catalytic converter theft is higher in the Moncton area.

He said car dealerships are often a target.

Jonathan Brawn, managing partner and general manager at St. Croix Auto, said in the last six to eight months, they've had about12 catalytic converters stolen from their dealership. He said it's a significant issue with other dealerships, too.

Jonathan Brawn, managing partner and general manager at St. Croix Auto, said in the last six to eight months, theyve lost approximately 12 catalytic converters to thieves. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

Brawn said they have cameras and have paid people to watch the dealerships in the evening due to the thefts.

Austin said the problem likely won't be completely eliminated and Brawn agreed.

"But if we can go from 10 problems to two problems, that's much more manageable," said Brawn. "No system or legislation will cure all sins or make it perfect. But I do think this is going to greatly reduce the impact, which is a step in the right direction."