New Westminster police arrested three suspected catalytic converter thieves – while observing some suspected thieves.
A press release from the New Westminster Police Department says that member of the department’s crime reduction and street crimes units were conducting “proactive work” targeting known catalytic converter thieves at the time of the arrest. The NWPD states that officers observed three individuals steal a catalytic converter; they were then arrested and transported to cells at the police station.
“Catalytic converter thefts are an ongoing problem across the lower mainland region,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver of the NWPD. “We want criminals to know that police departments are sharing information, our specialty units are making arrests, and we’re working with the public who are calling 911 when they see these thieves in the act of stealing.”
The New Westminster Police Department has recommended the three suspects be charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, theft under $5,000 and mischief.
The New Westminster Police Department’s street crime unit and crime reduction unit has an ongoing investigation related to theft of catalytic converters, with support from the criminal intelligence unit and the gang suppression unit, said the news release.
Anyone who has information about catalytic converter theft in New Westminster is asked to call the NWPD at 604-525-5411. The New Westminster Police Department strongly recommends people witnessing a catalytic converter theft in progress to call 9-1-1.
