According to the Nanaimo RCMP, in 2022 there were 119 reports of stolen catalytic converters in Nanaimo. Photo: Lauryn Mackenzie / CHLY 101.7fm

With an increase in catalytic converter theft, a Nanaimo auto mechanic shop is hosting a free etching service so that stolen converters can be returned to their owners.

According to the Nanaimo RCMP, in 2022, there were 119 reports of stolen catalytic converters in Nanaimo and 6,143 reports across the province. An 89 per cent increase in the amount of converters reported stolen in the province since 2017.

In response to this, Auto-Check Automotive located at 605 Bowen Road has teamed up with the Nanaimo RCMP, ICBC, and Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers to host a free etching event on Saturday, July 13.

CHLY spoke with Stefan Kennett, owner of Auto-Check Automotive ahead of the event. He said right now they have an average of two customers per month coming in for a new catalytic converter due to theft.

“So it's kind of shocking when that happens to somebody, they usually come in right away,” he said. “It's tough, because when you steal a catalytic converter, the criminal stands to make roughly $100 to $300, but it could be a $4,000 repair for the customer. So it's a bummer.”

Kennett said the Nanaimo RCMP and Central Vancouver Island Crime Stopper first came to him with the idea to host the pilot event to reduce the number of reported stolen converters.

He said criminals may steal the converters for the metals in them and that it can take the criminals about three minutes to remove the part. He said drivers will know if their catalytic converter was stolen because of the loud noise the car will make after it starts.

“[The car will] Probably be 15 times louder. So it's almost like your muffler is gone,” he said. “It kind of acts as a muffler and it's before the muffler so you cut that out, and now you have essentially two mufflers missing. So it's very loud, it's obnoxious.”

This is the first time Auto-Check Automotive has run an event like this but Kennett said he is happy to support the community.

The etching service should take approximately 20 minutes for each vehicle. He describes the tool used for the etching as almost like a tattoo gun.

The RCMP suggests that the engraving be the last eight digits of the vehicle's Vehicle identification number or VIN, to better track the item if stolen.

Kennett said the event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there will be a barbecue for those waiting as the event is on a first come first served basis.

“So this, there is no appointment schedule. So be patient, I don't know if we're gonna get bombarded by 100 at once, or we won't be too many,” he said. “But it'll be about a 20 minute process. We'll take the car drive in the shop, put it up in the air, so we get a good angle on the catalytic converter and etch the serial number in there.”

He said after this event he can see them continuing this service in the future for those interested.

“Both of them would make sense; a yearly event would be okay or just as a service would make sense,” he said. “It's not hard to do if you're in for an oil change or something once in the year anyway. We've already done a couple just for fun.”

The Nanaimo RCMP has also said If the event is successful the Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers may host similar events at other locations in Nanaimo and in communities throughout central Vancouver Island.

Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.