Kingston Police seek public assistance to identify catalytic converter thief

Kingston Police have released video footage and an image of a suspect who removed a catalytic converter from a Ford 550 pickup truck in a business parking lot located on John Counter Boulevard, and are asking for public assistance to identify the suspect.

According to a release from Kingston Police, the incident took place on the evening of Monday, Apr. 11, 2022. The suspect was captured on security video leaving the scene at approximately 11:25 p.m. on a motorcycle with the stolen catalytic converter.

Kingston Police said that the motorcycle that the suspect was riding appears to be a sport-style bike with two toned blue and white coloured graphics on its side fairing.

According to the release, the suspect, who appears to be Caucasian, was wearing a dark coloured jacket, light coloured pants, and beige or brown footwear. The suspect was also wearing what appeared to be a two toned black and white helmet with a clear visor.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective Andrew Wilby at 613-549-4660 ext. 621, or via email at [email protected]. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the Kingston Police general number (613-549-4660 ext. 0) and asking to remain anonymous.

Kingston Police would like to remind the general public and business owners alike in the community to be aware that thefts of catalytic converters have increased substantially over the last number of years and to ensure that whenever possible they park their unattended vehicles in a well-lit area or a garage, if one is available. Another means of safeguarding your vehicle is by installing security systems on your private or commercial properties for full time video surveillance.

Catalytic converter thieves tend to target vehicles that have a higher ground clearance, which could include pickup trucks and SUVs that do not require to be jacked up, as they provide easier access to the underside of the motor vehicle. Local businesses can also take the additional step of securing their fleet’s catalytic converters by hiring a welding fabricator to secure them to their vehicle or by installing a protective cage/shield around them.

It has also been suggested that having your vehicle’s VIN number engraved into your catalytic converter may make it easier to identify it if is stolen, and ultimately harder for thieves to sell.