Safeguard Your Vehicle and Contents By: Trish Kaplan, CCI (Hon ’ s)
A catalytic converter repair, including parts and labour, can run upwards to $2,500 and sometimes more, de- pending on the vehicle you drive. It ’ s not a new issue, but can be a lucrative one for some. Thefts have escalated, including on condominium properties. We don ’ t pay enough attention to reports, until we ’ ve experienced the theft itself (not my own vehicle, but on our condominium property). Interestingly, it isn ’ t the catalytic converter itself that is valuable; rather, it is the precious metals, including palla- dium, rhodium, and platinum inside them, “ which are more valuable than gold right now ” according to Bryan Gast, a national director of investigative services of the Insurance Bureau of Canada. From a December 2, 2020 News and Media Release by the London Police Department: The thefts are on a continu- ous rise across Canada. London Police reported 79 thefts occurred between September 1, 2020 and the media release. That is nearly a 50% increase from those reported in 2019. The London Police have recommended (in their News and Media Release): We remind residents to park in garag- es, well - lit areas, or close to a building entrance or road whenever possible. Install good lighting and functional security cameras (where approved by the Board as it would be on the Common Elements). If you hear suspicious noises in parking lots such as the sound of electrical tools being used or see someone under a vehicle, please call police immediately. If you notice that your catalytic converter is missing, notify the police as soon as possible. If you are missing your converter, you will hear a loud roaring or rumbling sound when you turn on your vehicle. The sound will get louder as you put your foot on the gas pedal. The catalytic converter is a round canister that connects the piping in the exhaust. You will notice a space in the middle of your exhaust if the converter is missing.
CCI Review 2021/2022 —November 2021 - 25
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