OPP looking to identify person of interest in catalytic converter thefts

The Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are continuing their investigation into a spike in catalytic converter thefts from vehicles in the Lennox and Addington area.

According to a release from the OPP, officers began seeing an influx of reports of catalytic converter thefts in January 2022, and reports have continued to rise. The first reports in January came from victims that were parked at businesses located on Bridge Street West, Richmond Park Drive, Center Street and Service Road in Greater Napanee.

L&A County OPP and the East Region Community Street Crime Unit are now looking to identify a person of interest in connection with the investigation. According to the release, the person of interest is described as male, of average build and height, wearing what appears to be a dark jacket with reflective material on the arms and shoulders.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact L&A County OPP. Police are further asking the public to report if they have been a victim of a catalytic converter theft and/or to report suspicious activity and suspicious people.

L&A County OPP would also like to remind the public of some crime prevention techniques that can be used to lower the risk of becoming a victim of these types of crimes:

• Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area;
• Leave exterior lighting on your house at night;
• Park your vehicle in a garage, if you have one;
• Review notifications from home security camera systems and look for any suspicious activity; and
• Always lock your vehicle and ensure that the security system is active, if equipped.

The public is encouraged to be mindful of suspicious activity, monitor any video surveillance they might have and report suspicious activity to police immediately. Calls to the OPP can be made by calling 1-888-310-1122, or *OPP on a mobile device. Additionally, while is it not suitable for crimes in progress, information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.