The Edmonton Police Service in partnership with the Edmonton Police Foundation and Millennium Insurance Corporation, launched a global Community Solutions Accelerator challenge to target and ultimately end catalytic converter thefts. The current theft deterrence products available for purchase by the individual consumer has not curbed the issue of catalytic converter thefts, as the products themselves are not widely purchased by the everyday consumer and theft occurrences continue to rise. 

The Edmonton Police Foundation's Catalytic Converter Theft Challenge attracted submissions globally, including from Canada, the U.S., Poland, Indonesia, and Nigeria. While the prize administrators primarily handled promotion, HeroX also supported outreach to its existing community.

The Edmonton Police Foundation received over 200 entries and narrowed it down to 6 winners. 

“We were overwhelmed with the response we received, as well as the public conversations about the problem and its possible solutions,” said EPS Chief Dale McFee.  “There were some really good ideas generated, which we believe will be part of a comprehensive approach to stopping these crimes through innovation, police investigations, public education, and government legislation.” The winners and their solutions are detailed here.

The foundation continues to utilize the HeroX platform to support their community needs, be sure to check out their challenge page for more ways to participate.