Rash of catalytic converter thefts drive one Winnipeg woman to move

Vehicle owners are considering installing cages over their catalytic converters to deter all-time high thefts.

Vehicle owners are considering installing cages over their catalytic converters to deter all-time high thefts.

Michele Zubrin's SUV has been targeted twice this year by people attempting to steal the catalytic converter. The second attempt was successful.

''You turn the vehicle on and it was just overwhelmingly loud,” Zubrin said in an interview with CTV News. “This was stolen from me. This is vandalizing my vehicle and I’m having to put it out of my pocket.”

She no longer feels safe in her neighbourhood and is moving. She said six weeks ago the second converter theft attempt was successful but could not get into see Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) until Wednesday. She does not know when it will be replaced.

“MPI and the repair industry, like the rest of the country, is still experiencing supply chain issues with parts availability, including catalytic converters,” MPI said in a statement.

Zubrin expects it to cost her up to $500 with her MPI deductible and the part’s depreciation cost.

"If I don't put a cage on here who's to say that when I come back the same people might come around look under the vehicle and, ‘Hey, another one. Let's take this again,” Zubrin said.