Owner catches catalytic converter thief in the act but suspect flees with device: Guelph police

A bit of snow and cold temperatures didn’t prevent a thief from stealing a catalytic converter from a vehicle at a Guelph, Ont., home.

Guelph Police Service were notified after the homeowner noticed someone underneath her parked SUV in the area of Imperial Road North and Woodlawn Road West Sunday around 2:40 a.m.

Investigators say she banged on the window to attract the attention of the thief who then fled with the component.

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They say the resident tried to chase down the suspect, but that was thwarted when the vehicle made a loud noise once the engine was started due to the removal of the exhaust.

Investigators are looking for a male dressed in black from head to toe carrying a backpack.

They say he drove away in a white pickup truck with red markings on the door.

Anyone with information on this is asked to contact Guelph Police Service at 519-824-1212, ext. 7129, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.