An alert witness helped New Westminster police arrest a suspect in a catalytic converter theft over the weekend.
It was about 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, when a person called police to report seeing a man underneath a parked vehicle in the 300-block of Front Street, stealing a catalytic converter, according to an NWPD press release.
New Westminster Police Department officers arrived on scene and found a man a short distance away who matched the description of the suspect. The suspect was arrested with several metal cutting tools and a catalytic converter in his possession, police say.
“We’re very appreciative of this resident who saw something, knew it wasn’t right, and reached out to us by calling 9-1-1," said NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Andrew Leaver said in the release. “Catalytic converter thefts are a problem right across the Lower Mainland, and observant residents play a key role in arresting these suspects.”
Residents are asked to be aware of any suspicious activity or noises around vehicles. Police ask that you call 9-1-1 if you see a theft in progress, and be sure to document as many details of the suspect's description as possible.
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