Ontario man says new truck had catalytic converter stolen at dealership
New insurance data shows catalytic converter theft continues to be a huge problem that is showing no signs of slowing down.
According to the Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, theft of catalytic converters rose 60 per cent over the past year, and a whopping 1,700 per cent between 2018 and 2022.
David Warren, of Bowmanville, Ont., told CTV News Toronto he bought a brand new 2022 Dodge Ram truck this past March.
“I was having problems with the truck as soon as I drove it off the lot,” Warren said.
Warren said after picking up the truck, the check engine light came on and there were other issues. He took it to another dealer and said he was told the catalytic converter in his new truck had been replaced with an aftermarket one.
“I was shocked to get that phone call from the dealership saying that the original was stolen and that they had an aftermarket installed," Warren said.
"It shouldn't happen on brand new vehicles when you're buying them.”
Thieves are stealing catalytic converters for the precious metals inside, which include platinum, palladium and rhodium, and are sold for as much as $300 per convertor to salvage yards.
Now it appears criminals are targeting new and used car dealerships, where vehicles often sit unprotected overnight.
“We have talked to the dealership association and they are definitely suffering (due to catalytic converter thefts) both new car lots and used car lots,” said Steve Fletcher, managing director of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada Association (ARC).
Fletcher said while its 350 members follow the rules when it comes to dealing with stolen auto parts in the metals recycling industry, there are some small companies that may be willing to buy illegally-sourced catalytic converters.
"There are a lot of very independent small guys who don't want to turn away a quick buck and there are out and out crooks who exploit loopholes and actively seek out people who have one, two or five catalytic convertors and they are not the true owners of the convertors,” Fletcher said.
According to Allstate Insurance, the average cost to replace a catalytic converter is now $2,900, which is an 81 per cent increase from three years ago.
Warren says he feels the dealer should have told him the catalytic converter on his new truck was not original equipment.
“Ultimately I would like the vehicle either returned of exchanged for a new one," Warren said.
After CTV News Toronto contacted the dealer, they agreed to give Warren a new truck.
Dealers are encouraged to park vehicles indoors, provide extra security and take other measures to prevent catalytic converter theft.
Some auto shops are now engraving converters with a vehicle identification number or placing a cage or protective plate over them so thieves will be unable to cut them off.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.