Leduc RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (LCRU) have charged two individuals in relation to catalytic converter theft following proactive patrols at an airport parking lot in Leduc County.
On Oct. 12, 2022, at approximately 10 a.m., members of LCRU were conducting proactive patrols in the parking lots at the Edmonton International Airport when they observed two suspects cutting a catalytic converter off a vehicle. Officers arrested the suspects and seized a fraudulent firearms licence, a Sawzall and the cut catalytic converter.
"Members of the Leduc Crime Reduction Unit are active in their patrols throughout our area to keep our residents safe, to detect, and to deter crime," says Acting Sgt. Penny Penney, in charge of the Leduc Crime Reduction Unit. "In this situation being observant resulted in the recovery of a catalytic converter, and the offenders involved are facing charges."
A 36-year-old individual, a resident of Leduc County, Alta., was charged with the following:
- Theft under $5,000
- Illegal possession in Government documents
- Mischief under $5,000
Following a judicial hearing, the 36-year-old individual was released from custody. The individual was scheduled to appear in Leduc provincial court on Dec. 8, 2022.
A 26-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, was charged with the following:
- Theft under $5,000
- Mischief under $5,000
Following a judicial hearing, the 26-year-old individual was released to appear in Leduc provincial court on Nov. 10, 2022.
Both individuals did not attend Leduc provincial court on their scheduled appearance dates, and there is now a warrant for their arrest for failing to attend court.
The 36-year-old individual is described as:
- 5 feet 10 inches tall
- 174 pounds
- Brown eyes and brown hair
The 26-year-old individual is described as:
- 5 feet 9 inches tall
- 154 pounds
- Brown eyes and brown hair
Leduc RCMP would like to remind the public of the catalytic converter theft prevention program we introduced in partnership with the City of Leduc in Dec. 2021. The program involves etching the last eight digits of the VIN onto the vehicle's catalytic converter. The VIN serves as an identifier that will assist police in identifying the stolen part, should it get stolen. For more information on this program please visit https://www.leduc.ca/rcmp
Leduc RCMP are asking for the public's assistance for any information on the whereabouts of both individuals. Please contact Leduc RCMP at 780-980-7200 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.