Spike in Catalytic Converter Thefts Prompts Edmonton Council to Review Scrap Metal Bylaw

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster: Possible bylaw changes meant to prevent rising catalytic converter thefts in Edmonton will be up for debate at city hall this week.

Around 3,350 catalytic converters were reported stolen in Edmonton in 2022, more than a 1,400 per cent increase from 2018 when there were 213 such thefts. City administrative staff and the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) are suggesting options to help curb the trend which cost Edmontonians nearly $20 million in repairs and replacements last year.

A report heading to council’s community and public services meeting on Wednesday says while scrap metal dealers and recyclers are already regulated at the municipal and provincial level, there is more the city could do.

According to the report, Edmonton could add new conditions to the scrap metal dealer and recycler business licence, similar to the rules pawn shops and second-hand stores must follow. Nothing is finalized, but allowing scrap metal dealers to only buy catalytic converters etched with vehicle identification numbers (VIN), requiring dealers to track the dollar value of these sales, and increasing fines for non-compliance are some examples of what changes could look like.

“Administration has met with the Edmonton Police Service to identify the barriers they face in enforcing thefts and the illegal trade of catalytic converters. EPS identified that a lack of traceability and proof of ownership for unattached catalytic converters creates challenges for successful enforcement,” the report states.

A report heading to council’s community and public services meeting on Wednesday says while scrap metal dealers and recyclers are already regulated at the municipal and provincial level, there is more the city could do.

According to the report, Edmonton could add new conditions to the scrap metal dealer and recycler business licence, similar to the rules pawn shops and second-hand stores must follow. Nothing is finalized, but allowing scrap metal dealers to only buy catalytic converters etched with vehicle identification numbers (VIN), requiring dealers to track the dollar value of these sales, and increasing fines for non-compliance are some examples of what changes could look like.

“Administration has met with the Edmonton Police Service to identify the barriers they face in enforcing thefts and the illegal trade of catalytic converters. EPS identified that a lack of traceability and proof of ownership for unattached catalytic converters creates challenges for successful enforcement,” the report states.

Courtesy: www.edmontonjournal.com