Leduc RCMP say that they’ve returned two catalytic converters to their owners following a property crime investigation.
On September 13 police received two reports of the stolen catalytic converters. One was taken from an SUV near Deer Valley Drive, and the other was from a motor home near William Bell Drive.
Two days later, police located a U-Haul truck believed to be involved in the theft. A traffic stop was initiated, and when officers discovered that the U-Haul was rented with fraudulent identification, the driver was arrested.
As a result of the investigation, police seized four catalytic converters.
Victoria Spears, a 32-year-old resident of Leduc, was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (x2)
- Identity fraud
- Possession of scheduled substance – methamphetamine
Spears has been released from custody with a court date scheduled for November 9.
As police investigated further, they charged a second person in relation to the investigation.
Garrett Faryna, a 31-year-old Leduc resident, was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (x2)
- Fail to comply with release order
Faryna will be appearing in court in December.
As a result of timely reporting and one of the catalytic converters having the vehicle identification number etched onto it, police were able to return two of the converters to their owners.
To help prevent yourself from catalytic converter theft, you can read more by visiting the Leduc website.