WINNIPEG – A crackdown on thefts of catalytic converters in Winnipeg seems to be working.

Police say there have been 12 thefts reported so far this year, a number which has fallen significantly over the past two years.

The main reason is because scrap metal dealers are being required to follow strict rules and keep detailed records when buying converters.

Catalytic converters are exhaust system devices found on the underside of vehicles.

They are valuable because they contain rare earth metals like platinum and palladium.