Thieves stole the catalytic converter from a municipal truck parked near the Vankleek Hill Arena overnight from Wednesday, February 17 to Thursday, February 18. In a statement, the township said other parts of Canada had experienced similar thefts.

“This mechanical part contains palladium and other precious metals that can be resold for several hundred dollars,” the township said. “Canada is currently seeing a series of thefts in different provinces for this reason.”

Anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour near the arena on February 17 or 18 was asked to call the township at (613) 678 3601. Anyone who saw suspicious activity with someone working underneath a vehicle was asked to contact the police.