Page 2446 - Week 08 - Thursday, 5 August 2021

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(2) Does the Minister consider that the actual figure is higher; if so, how much higher and can the Minister explain why these thefts are not reported.

(3) What is the Government doing to reduce theft of catalytic convertors.

(4) What success or progress has the Government made to reduce thefts.

(5) How much funding does the Government provide for programs that aim to reduce theft of catalytic convertors.

(6) Does the Government regulate sales of catalytic convertors to scrap metal merchants; if so, how and can the Minister detail those regulations and when they were introduced.

(7) Does the Government intend to change the regulations or introduce new measures about catalytic convertors.

(8) Has the Government done any consultation with the sector about thefts of catalytic convertors and what can be done about the matter.

Mr Gentleman: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

1) Number of catalytic converters reported stolen to ACT Policing:

Data as at 1 June 2021

ACT Policing has identified catalytic converter thefts as a crime type that has increased significantly in the ACT since the beginning of 2021. Catalytic converters contain precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium, and the prices of these metals have gone up considerably in recent years.

2) On advice sought from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC), the theft of catalytic converters appear to be under reported nationally. ACT Policing are working to increase community awareness and encourage reporting. Increased awareness of the issue may be contributing to the increase in reporting in 2021.

3) Catalytic converter thefts are being treated as a priority target by ACT Policing. In addition to increased operational targeting activities, police are also prioritising increasing community awareness. For example, on 24 May 2021 the Officer-in-Charge of Tuggeranong Police Station addressed the ACT community on the theft of catalytic converters via radio interviews. ACT Policing continue to strongly encourage the ACT community to report suspicious behaviours involving anyone who is seen underneath a vehicle to police on 131 444.

4) ACT Policing has seen increasing reports of catalytic converter theft overseas, and now in the ACT. ACT Policing is aware of cases in Canberra and continues to investigate. To date, three arrests have been made.

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