Barrie police are investigating after multiple catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles overnight.
Police say an employee of a Welham Road business "immediately knew something was wrong" when, just before 7 a.m., Friday, he went to the parking lot where two work vehicles had been parked since Wednesday and proceeded to start them up.
As he did so, police say both vehicles emitted a very loud and unexpected sound.
Upon closer examination, it was discovered that the catalytic converters from both pickup trucks had been stolen.
One of the trucks also had a tonneau cover that was damaged and will require replacement, according to police.
Another complaint has been received where five catalytic converters were stolen from a southwest Barrie business, in the King Street area. City police say these thefts have left the business owner in a position where he's unable to operate his business, because the work-related vehicles require repair and catalytic converter replacement before they can be safely driven again.
"Barrie police is reminding business and homeowners that these types of thefts are again taking place in our community and where possible, vehicles should be parked indoors, in a secure compound or in area where video surveillance is in place," police said in a news release. "The use of after-market devices such as a catalytic converter shield kit or the use of bright-coloured, high-temperature spray paint being applied to the catalytic converter can help prevent people and business owners from becoming the next victim."
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon said these thefts are often happening in industrial areas where there is very little overnight traffic, making them prime targets for thieves, even with heightened police patrols.
The catalytic converters, which contain precious metals such as platinum and gold, are then sold to scrap yards.
