gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
Police say the theft of catalytic converters, copper wire and copper pipes is significant in Medicine Hat.
Police have identified the theft of precious metals as an emerging trend here and in the surrounding area. These products can be sold to scrap metal dealers for cash.
“It would be tens of thousands of dollars for sure in the city here annually,” said Insp. Brent Secondiak estimating the extent of the issue.
In Calgary this week someone, who appeared to be in the process of stealing a catalytic converter from a vehicle, died after the equipment hoisting the vehicle collapsed on him.
Catalytic converters contain a variety of metals that can be sold for cash. It has been a problem in Medicine Hat too, said Secondiak. Last year there was a series of them from pickup trucks and one specific brand in particular because it had more precious metal content than others.
On Christmas Day police observed two males enter a local business compound to reach copper wire in a container. The individuals then fled on foot but police seized a bicycle and cart left at the scene. Secondiak says the individuals have now been charged.
The theft of copper wire can be a few feet or hundreds of feet even though it can be a lot of work removing the plastic coating from the wire, said Secondiak.
“(There are) a lot (of thefts) in the light industrial area, northwest Crescent Heights there’s been a lot as well,” said Secondiak.
Sometimes it is the theft of copper pipes used in plumbing for buildings under construction.
Secondiak says it is connected to people who are consuming drugs.
“It’s just another way they can convert something into money to get drugs,” said Secondiak.
According to one online source, bare copper wire sells for about $3.20 per pound.
Regulations provincially were introduced in 2012 and received royal assent but was never proclaimed.
Dealers are now supposed to record the seller’s information under the Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act, enacted in November 2019. The regulations are expected to be completed this spring.
Secondiak says this will assist police in determining where the metals being sold are coming from.
He feels if someone comes in to sell several catalytic converters in a month they are likely stolen and police have had little to no contact from scrap metal dealers in or around the city.
One local scrap dealer suggested people stealing locally may not be selling to scrap dealers locally but would go further afield.
