During an increase in thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles across the Lower Mainland, Delta police have made three arrests.

According to a July 15 Delta Police Department (DPD) news release, police have observed an increased number of catalytic converters being targeted for theft in Metro Vancouver, particularly in industrial areas such as Annacis Island and Tilbury in Delta.  

Around 4:30 p.m. on July 9, officers from the DPD and the Vancouver Police Department took three male “prolific” property offenders into custody.

DPD public affairs coordinator Cris Leykauf told the Georgia Straight that the arrests took place in an industrial area of Vancouver but did not specify the location. 

The investigation remains ongoing and police are recommending charges of theft under $5,000 and mischief. Their identities have not been released yet as charges have not been approved. The investigation remains ongoing.

Lekauf stated that as the catalytic converters contain valuable metals, metal recyclers are purchasing these catalytic converters from people who have cut them off from vehicles.

Coquitlam RCMP stated in a news release that two vehicles that were found on fire in Port Coquitlam in July 11 are believed to be related to attempted catalytic converter thefts, based on information from witnesses and videos. No relation between the Delta arrests and the Coquitlam fires has been established.

The DPD is advising business owners to contact the North Delta Business Watch Program to obtain more information about protecting their property.