Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise in Saskatchewan, according to the province’s public insurer.
So far in 2021, there have been 170 catalytic converter thefts reported to SGI—five times more than the year prior.
“Right now, the cost of those claims is just over half a million dollars, and it’s also worth noting that these are just the claims that have been reported to SGI,” McMurchy told CBC News.
In Saskatoon alone, there have been 135 catalytic converter thefts this year. Meanwhile in 2020, there were only six.
McMurchy said the sharp increase in this type of theft may be attributed to the ongoing auto parts shortage.
“Thieves target them because of the precious metals,” he said. “It may be tied to the value of those metals rising on the market.”
