Langley RCMP would like to warn owners of pick up trucks that thieves are stealing the catalytic converters.
"It appears the catalytic converter, particularly on the Dodge 2500 and 3500 diesel engine trucks, is becoming a hot item for thieves," said Langley RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Holly Marks.
Langley RCMP has received six reports over the past two weeks of these thefts along the Langley/Surrey border. More than 40 catalytic converters have been stolen so far, she said.
The catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system that converts harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before they leave the vehicle. These parts are expensive. Just the part will cost between $3,000 and $4,000.
To protect your vehicle, police recommend truck drivers park their vehicles in a well lit area or ideally in your garage. Also people should report any suspicious activity around vehicles.
Police are actively pursuing this investigation and only have theories at the moment as to why these converters are such a hot ticket item right now.
They may be being sold on the black market or for scrap, police said.
In California, drivers are required to replace their catalytic converters every five years, so it may be connected, said police.
Truck drivers in Langley have already been facing an expensive crime. Thieves have been drilling holes in gas tanks, particularly on trucks to steal gas.