Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging Manitobans to learn how to protect their vehicles from catalytic converter theft as reports of this type of crime have significantly increased in recent months.
According to MPI claims data, since 2021 the Corporation has seen approximately 150 catalytic converter theft-related claims reported monthly, with April 2022 exceeding 300.
In response, MPI recently launched an online education initiative aimed at empowering customers with the information they need to keep their vehicles safe.
“We know that these critical parts of a vehicle’s emission system can be high in value when resold as they contain rare metals and are relatively easy to remove from a vehicle that isn’t parked in a secure location with correct safeguards,” explained Eric Herbelin, President & CEO, MPI. “With so many Manitobans impacted by this issue and many more wanting to avoid these types of thefts, our goal is to share the most common vehicles we have seen targeted and how all Manitobans can take preventative steps to increase the chances they won’t be filing a claim with MPI as result.”
The online initiative includes a dedicated webpage, mpi.mb.ca/catalytic, as well as a series of social media posts to raise awareness of what a catalytic converter is, why they’re attractive to thieves, as well as highlighting the most targeted vehicles models according to MPI claims data and what actions owners can take.
Top five vehicles targeted for catalytic converter theft:
- Hyundai Tucson
- Honda CR-V
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Kia Sportage
- Mitsubishi RVR
Five tips to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft:
Since converter thieves tend to target cars at ideal locations, most prevention methods involve your parking practices.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Park close to building entrances or the nearest road in public parking lots. This leaves your car in a location where many people can see it.
- If you have a personal garage, keep your car parked inside with the door shut.
- Add video surveillance to the area where you regularly park your car.
- Adjust the security system on your car, if already installed, to activate from vibrations, such as those produced by a saw.
To better support customers who have been impacted by catalytic converter thefts, MPI revised its betterment and depreciation framework in 2021 to provide greater financial relief to customers facing catalytic converter replacements.
MPI also continues to partner with Manitoba Justice, law enforcement agencies, the Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre and organizations like Crime Stoppers to share information in efforts to develop more effective deterrence strategies.
