WHAT IS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER? AND WHY WERE 9 STOLEN OVERNIGHT WEDNESDAY IN BRACEBRIDGE?

BRACEBRIDGE — What’s with catalytic converters and thieves’ sudden interest in them?

They are an exhaust emission control device that transforms hazardous gases and pollutants in your vehicle’s exhaust into less-toxic pollutants. Police say they contain precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium which make them attractive to thieves.

They range in cost from a few hundred dollars for cars to more than $1,000 on large pickup trucks.

Overnight Wednesday-Thursday the OPP say someone stole nine catalytic converters from delivery trucks at a depot on Gray Road in Bracebridge, in what must have been an exhausting task.

And anyone who may have witnessed the incidents, say police, or may have seen suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact the Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122 to assist in these investigations. Individuals may also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at https://ontariocrimestoppers.ca Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.