Full Breakdown
Catalytic Converter Theft Halts Second Harvest Food-Rescue Trucks in Toronto
By Drooid · · How we work
Theft and Immediate Disruption
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, thieves broke into Second Harvest’s Toronto yard, cut the exhaust systems of seven food-rescue trucks and stole their catalytic converters. All seven vehicles were rendered inoperable, leaving only two trucks functional for the charity’s scheduled turkey giveaway. The loss forced Second Harvest to reassess how it could meet demand for the coming week.
Police Action and Ongoing Search
Acting Superintendent Jeff Bangild announced that officers executed a search warrant at a home in Oakville and arrested a 29-year-old man, Corey Lane, on Thursday. Bangild said Lane faces three break-and-enter charges tied to the Second Harvest incident and two prior catalytic-converter thefts in south Etobicoke. Police continue to seek a second suspect but have not released a description.
Financial Toll and Community Response
Second Harvest CEO Lori Nikkel estimated repair costs at roughly $80,000 and projected a two-to-three-week timeline to restore the trucks. She noted that Aurora Importing donated $60,000 to offset part of the expense. Vice-President of Supply Chain and Logistics Duncan Salisbury expressed relief at the arrest and highlighted that partners and community members have stepped up to keep services running.
Impact on Food-Rescue Operations
With only two trucks available, Second Harvest’s capacity to collect and distribute rescued food was sharply reduced during a period of heightened demand. The organization warned that the disruption could affect the volume of food delivered to families relying on its Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, though it remains confident that community support will help sustain operations until the fleet is repaired.