Catalytic Converter Thefts Surge in Calgary

0:00Catalytic converter thefts are spiking again in Calgary, hitting folks like back in those wild pandemic days. Local mechanic Andy Shoe at Unlimited Performance is fielding two to a dozen panic calls daily from victims. The culprits chase platinum, rodeum, and palladium inside those parts, with platinum prices exploding 220% to nearly 3,000 US dollars per ounce. These make it easy with battery-powered tools that slice converters often minutes. Scrap yards around town by the no questions asked, paying cash even if it's below market. That low barrier keeps the thefts rolling whenever metal values climb. University of Calgary students are filling the sting hard, with at least 3 losing theirs in just 10 days near McMahon Stadium. One herd a gunshot-like roar starting his car. Another shelled out $150 for a temp fix, plus more for sensors. Schools run $500 to $2,500, forcing missed shifts and fears of jacked up insurance for part-timers scraping by.

1:01Police log 90 thefts so far this year, zeroing in on Mitsubishi RVRs as prime targets. Show's shop fights back with thick stainless steel cables that wrecks saw blades and full cages around converters on bigger rigs like RVs, making, thieves bail for easier scores. City council just voted to slap $3,000 fines to scare them off. As metal prices stay hot and tools get sharper, Calgarians are wise to check under their rides and lock down those converters before the next wave. Hits. That's the story for today. Calgary News Today, Driven by AI. I'm Corey with The Story.