National

B.C. aims to curb catalytic converter thefts

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Mar, 2022 03:10 PM

VICTORIA - The British Columbia government has moved to prevent thefts of catalytic converters, a crime that costs millions every year.

The province has changed the regulations for metal dealers and recyclers to require them to report each transaction, including seller information, to police.

Catalytic converters control exhaust emissions to reduce pollutants, but they have been a target for thieves because of an increase in the price of metals they contain.

The Insurance Corporation of B.C. says converter theft claims have climbed from 89 in 2017 to 1,953 last year, totalling more than $4 million in claim costs for 2021.

Up until the regulation changes on Monday, the converters could be sold without providing information about the seller, allowing them to remain anonymous.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says changing the rules will help police find offenders and work to reduce the incentive for people to steal them in the first place.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Highlights from Freeland’s fiscal update

The cost of resettling Afghan refugees in Canada is expected to be $1.3 billion over six years, starting in the current fiscal year, and $66.6 million in future years. Last week, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said he expects it will take two years to fulfil the government's promise to bring 40,000 Afghan refugees to Canada.

Highlights from Freeland’s fiscal update

B.C. detects 44 cases of COVID-19 variant Omicron

The cases are included in new infection modelling released today that also shows overall COVID-19 cases rising on Vancouver Island, driven by outbreaks at the University of Victoria and a religious gathering in the northern part of the island.

B.C. detects 44 cases of COVID-19 variant Omicron

Military will act quickly on Arbour plan: minister

The Liberal government tapped Arbour last April to lead a detailed review and come up with better ways to address sexual assault, harassment and other misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Military will act quickly on Arbour plan: minister

Singh would back Bill 21 court challenge

The NDP leader said Tuesday he always believed the law was discriminatory but has hardened his stance on court action following the case of a teacher in Chelsea, Que., who was reassigned because she wears a hijab.

Singh would back Bill 21 court challenge

Liberals ready to release economic update

While the Bank of Canada has a mandate to keep inflation in check, the government agreed Monday it plays a role in helping the central bank maintain inflation around its two-per-cent target.

Liberals ready to release economic update

Indigenous people more likely to die from opioids

Data from the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia shows that Indigenous people are five times more likely to experience an overdose and three times more likely to die than other residents. The gap has been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, the authority said.