Canada/Calgary examines regulations to reduce theft of catalytic converters

Calgary City Council is considering a bylaw that would impose fines on those who own a catalytic converter of unknown origin. Fines could be as high as $3,000.

Approximately equivalent to the cost of replacing a catalytic converter," said Ulrik Seward, the city's business and building safety officer, at Wednesday's city council meeting.

The proposed amendments to the municipal operating permit by-law would require auto wreckers and recyclers to retain the vehicle's identification number, make and model.identification number, make and model of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter came, and to refuse a sale if this information is not provided or if the part is damaged.

These amendments will provide additional tools to the Calgary Police Service and peace officers in charge of operating permits to enforce the law in cases of suspected catalytic converter theft, reads a City document.

According to the Calgary Police Service, this will above all make it easier to trace victims. City Council will continue to examine the issue.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca/