Community Events
Nanaimo motorists can guard against catalytic converter theft
Vehicle catalytic converter thieves continue to cause grief and expense for car owners and...
You Etch it, We Catch it
Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers (CVICS), in partnership with the Nanaimo RCMP, ICBC and Auto-Check Automotive, are hosting an event to raise awareness about the theft of catalytic converters in Nanaimo. Statistics from 2022 reveal that in Nanaimo there were 119 reported thefts of catalytic converters. Across British Columbia, 6143 thefts were reported in 2022, up 89 percent from 2017, with the cost to replace these stolen items topping $8 million.
On Saturday July 13, 2024 from 10 AM to 4 PM, vehicle owners can bring their vehicle to Auto-Check Automotive, located at 605 Bowen Road where certified technicians will engrave their catalytic converters for FREE. “Marking or engraving catalytic converters is a proven technique in reducing the chances of having these items stolen,” said R/Cst Gary O’Brien, Crime Stoppers Coordinator for the Nanaimo RCMP.
From 10 am to 4 pm, Auto-Check will have two bays open specifically for engraving catalytic converters. It is suggested that the last eight digits of the vehicles VIN be used in order to better track the item if stolen. To enhance the experience, while vehicle owners wait, volunteers with Crime Stoppers, Nanaimo Community Policing and ICBC will be on hand running a free BBQ and providing handouts. The process to engrave your catalytic converter will take approximately twenty minutes
“Replacing a stolen catalytic converter can be costly with the price ranging from $800- $4000. Crime Stoppers recognizes education and prevention are important but so is identifying and holding those responsible who are involved in this alarming trend,” said O’Brien.
If the event is successful the Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers may host similar events at other locations in Nanaimo and in communities throughout central Vancouver Island.
If the public has any questions about this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact R/Cst Gary O’Brien at 250-734-5445.
News Release 2024.3
Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers (CVICS) in conjunction with Vancouver Island University is pleased to announce that the annual “Poster” campaign.
This project saw students from the 3rd year Graphic Arts Program, under the guidance of instructor Ellen McCluskey developing posters related to crime in our City that portrays what Crime Stoppers is and how to contact them. With Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien of Nanaimo RCMP overseeing two working sessions with the aspiring graphic designers, the posters were completed over March-April, with each student providing 3 different scenarios.
Once the posters were completed, the submissions were judged and selected by members of CVICS. The winning entry received $500, 2nd place $300 and 3rd receiving $200, with the prize money being donated by CVICS.
It is intended that the winning posters will be placed around the community in display boards on buses and in recreational centres. “Having the posters displayed in highly visible locations I is great way to promote Crime Stoppers and get people thinking of viable ways other to report crime in their community,” said R/Cst Gary O’Brien.
“This program benefits the education of the students involved as well as the posters being a reminder to the public that Crime Stoppers has helped police solve hundreds of crimes, take millions of dollars in drugs of their streets and put criminals in jail,” said Brian Cornborough, President of the Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers Program (CVICS).
CVICS raises money at various events throughout the year such as the annual Shredding events and accepts donations to support causes such as this.
In the picture below are (L-R) Glenn Atkins, Vice-President, Crime Stoppers, and students Ronin Harver, Ashley Lambert, Mackenzie Beck, and President Brian Cornborough, Crime Stoppers.
Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers serves communities from Ahousaht to Mill Bay and Salt Spring Island and accepts tips anonymously at 1.800.222.8477.
Congratulations students!
Brian Cornborough
President | Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers
president@cvicrimestoppers.com
250.755.5770
See something, say something!
Brian Cornborough President and R/Cst Gary O’Brien CS Coordinator at a recent document shredding event.
Brian Cornborough President of CS presenting Cst Josh Waltman and Registered Nurse Leanne Rear with a cheque for $5400 to covert the cost of outfitting their police vehicle to safely transport persons experiencing mental health crisis.
Current CS Board members Left to right: Mike Stinstadt, John Hough, Cst Gary O’Brien, Brian Cornborough, Roy Fisher, Glen Atkins, Karen Linterman and Dan Marshall.
Brian Cornborough and R/Cst O’Brien presenting Cst Sherri Wade with a cheque for $1200 to assist with the cost of secure phones for victims of domestic violence.
