New Regulatory Changes to Thwart Catalytic Converter Thefts in B.C

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The province of British Columbia (B.C.) announced regulatory changes aimed at strengthening measures to deter rising thefts of catalytic converters. The updates to the regulation were proposed by various stakeholders, including the BC Association of Police Boards.

The amendment to the Metal Dealers and Recyclers Regulation (MDRR) regulates catalytic converters that are not attached to an exhaust system. The registered scrap metal dealers are required to report each such transaction, including seller information to the police on a daily basis.

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According to Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the change in rule will help the province to better fight thieves who steal catalytic converters. In the first place, the change will reduce the incentive to steal them. Moreover, it will support the efforts of police in locating illicit sellers and stolen items, he added.

The data published by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) indicates that claims for catalytic converter thefts in the province have surged higher significantly from meagre 89 in 2017 to as high as 1,952 in 2021. During this period, the claim costs for catalytic converters increased from $356,950 to $4,059,081.