4 arrested, 1 wanted after string of catalytic converter thefts in Winnipeg

Multiple people are facing charges after more than a dozen catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles across Winnipeg between late April and early June.

4 arrested, 1 wanted after string of catalytic converter thefts in Winnipeg 13 catalytic converters stolen in locations around Winnipeg between later April and early June, police say Multiple people are facing charges after more than a dozen catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles across Winnipeg between late April and early June. Winnipeg police said in a news release that officers noticed a surge in reports of catalytic converter thefts in May. Converters were stolen from 13 vehicles during a spring spree that spanned weeks and neighbourhoods across the city, including Osborne Village and the Transcona area.

The automobile parts, which convert pollutants in exhaust into less toxic substances, contain valuable precious metals. The city saw a spike in thefts of the parts in 2021, but the number dropped dramatically after new provincial regulations for scrap metal buyers and sellers were introduced in 2022. - Have you had a catalytic converter stolen from your vehicle?

Email us with your story. Police say the latest string of thefts began with two in the Osborne Village area on April 26 — one in a parking lot on Wilmot Place and another on Wardlaw Avenue near Donald Street. Over the next several weeks, several more thefts were reported: - May 7, parking lot in the 1500 block of Regent Avenue W. (near Kildonan Place).

- May 23, 500 block of River Avenue (near Osborne Street). - May 26, secure lot in 1400 block of Saskatchewan Avenue (near Empress Street). - May 24, 600 block of McMeans Avenue E. (west of Redonda Street).

- May 25, 400 block of Leila Avenue (near Salter Street). - May 27, first block of Myrtle Street (near Notre Dame Avenue). - May 27, 1800 block of Portage Avenue (west of Berry Street).

- May 27, 600 block of Academy Road (east of Kenaston Boulevard). - June 1, parking lot in 1400 block of Saskatchewan Avenue (near Empress Street). - June 3, 300 block of Marion Street (west of Des Meurons).

- June 8, 1700 block of Henderson Highway (north of Chief Peguis Trail). The thefts caused an estimated $20,000 in damage, police said. Four people have been arrested in connection with the thefts: - A 44-year-old man was charged with four counts of theft under $5,000 and four counts of mischief under $5,000. -

A 36-year-old man was charged with seven counts of theft under $5,000 and seven counts of mischief under $5,000. - A 48-year-old man was charged with one count of theft under $5,000. - A 51-year old woman was charged with one count of theft under $5,000.

Police said they are still looking for a 43-year-old man who is wanted for theft under $5,000, mischief under $5,000 and failure to appear. The investigation is still ongoing, police said. Police are asking with information to call the property crime unit at 204-986-2426, or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers by phone at 204-786-8477 or online.