Police need the public’s assistance in identifying a man caught on video stealing catalytic converters from trucks in Black Diamond’s industrial park last week.
Turner Valley RCMP Cpl. Tiffany McGregor said the culprit used tools to remove the converters from both a commercial and personal vehicle that were parked in the town’s industrial park. The theft took place in the early morning hours of Jan. 17, according to a press release.
“This has been a problem in other jurisdictions within Foothills County, but this is just the first one that has touched our area that we know of,” said McGregor on Friday. “Any vehicle is a sitting duck to that.”
McGregor said the area was well lit during the theft and that police presence has increased in the industrial park since the incident.
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device designed to burn off hydrocarbons before they’re released into the atmosphere, said OK Tire owner Shane Casey.
Casey, who had catalytic converters stolen from two customers’ vehicles parked at his Okotoks shop in November, said the exhaust component contain precious metals that have a high value.
“It’s not so much the retail value, it’s the scrap value,” said Casey, adding it can range from $50 for a Ford Escape to $500 for a newer diesel truck. “They cut them off and take them into the scrap yard and sell them.”
Okotoks RCMP Cpl. Cory Forsyth said two individuals received several charges in relation to the Okotoks thefts last fall.
The Black Diamond thief was captured on camera wearing a two-toned blue coat with the hood up and black gloves, black tapered pants and black shoes. He has a slim to medium build.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact Turner Valley RCMP at 403-933-4262. To remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), http://www.p3tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
