12/04/2019
While we can only speak for Zubick Scrap Metals, it feels important to note that as a scrap yard, we require our customers to come in a vehicle (no walk-ins or bikes) so that we can record their licence plate and match it with their government issued ID. We record their name, address, vehicle information, and phone number. We question any incoming material that seems suspicious and do not hesitate to refuse material and/or contact the police. We have an excellent working relationship with the police.
We pride ourselves on being an upstanding business that is dedicated to our customers, employees, community, and to the city that we call home. We would not risk our reputation by knowingly dealing with stolen material.
Spike in catalytic converter thefts
Analysis of crime patterns leads to public warning
LONDON, ON (December 3, 2019) – London police have seen a significant increase in thefts of catalytic converters in the last month, and are urging people to park in well-lit areas or garages, particularly in the downtown area.
There have been 52 catalytic converter thefts since January 2019, with 22 of those reported since November 1, 2019. The targeted vehicles are mainly Honda, Ford and Hyundai makes and model years of 2010 or newer.
The thefts have occurred throughout the city but most have been from vehicles in parking lots in the downtown core. Typically, SUVs and trucks are targeted because they sit higher, providing easier access to the converters.
The catalytic converter is a part of the vehicle’s exhaust system and is needed for the car to run properly. Catalytic converters contain valuable materials, and thieves often sell the stolen converters to scrap yards for cash. It can cost up to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter.
If you notice that your catalytic converter is missing, notify the police as soon as possible. If you are missing your converter, you will hear a loud roaring or rumbling sound when you turn on your vehicle. The sound will get louder as you put your foot on the gas pedal. The catalytic converter is a round canister that connects the piping in the exhaust. You will notice a space in the middle of your exhaust if the converter is missing.
The London police would like to remind residents to park in garages, well-lit areas, or close to a building entrance or road whenever possible. Install good lighting and functional security cameras at your home. If you hear suspicious noises in parking lots such as the sound of electrical tools being used or see someone under a vehicle, please call police immediately.
The Crime Analysis Unit of the London Police Service detected this pattern using analytical software purchased using a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. The mapping software can be viewed at this link: https://communitycrimemap.com/?address=London,ON
