Ten Richmond auto service shops will etch a car owner’s partial VIN onto their catalytic converter - at no cost - in an effort to stop thieves from stealing these car parts.
Catalytic converter thefts added up to $8.2 million in the first seven months of 2023, according to ICBC.
The program, “You Etch It, We Catch It,” initiated by the Richmond RCMP, the City of Richmond and ICBC, is aimed at curbing these thefts and subsequent sales.
Customers will be offered during routine maintenance appointments to have the first eight digits of their VIN etched onto their catalytic converter.
A label with the shop’s name will be placed on the driver’s side window as a program indicator.
The auto service shops will then maintain a record of the etched vehicles.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to proactive community policing and our ongoing efforts to deter crime in Richmond,” said Chief Supt. Dave Chauhan, Officer-in-Charge of Richmond RCMP. “We urge the community to take advantage of this free service and join us in protecting their property."
The participating auto service shops are: Canadian Tire stores on No. 3 Road and Steveston Highway, Hoegler’s Muffler City, Ironwood Auto Service, KAL Tire on No. 5 Road, Midas on No. 3 Road, Minit Tune & Brake on No. 3 Road, MTTM Auto Group, Red Line Automotive and Richmond MotorWorks.
Richmond RCMP is actively inviting more shops to reach out to RCMP and join this initiative.
For more information, contact the Richmond RCMP Crime Prevention Unit at 604-278-1212 or via email at [email protected].
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