According to Nationwide insurance, all vehicles produced in the United States since 1975 must have a catalytic converter as part of the exhaust system. The catalytic converter is an emissions-control device and it contains precious metals that act as catalysts. When hot exhaust enters the converter, a chemical reaction occurs that renders toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, into less harmful emissions.

According to Nationwide.com, the price of the precious metals contained in the catalytic converters means thieves are helping themselves. In all of the recent area thefts, thieves have used a sawzall to cut the converters off of vehicles that are parked outside the businesses overnight. The thieves can get $100 to $150 per converter. Vehicles that start with a “gravelly roar” may have been targets.

Vehicles that are often targeted will be those that are parked for prolonged periods. Also, vehicles that sit higher from the ground, such as trucks and SUVs, are particularly vulnerable to catalytic converter theft.

The recent thefts are this week’s CrimeStoppers Crime of the Week and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department is hoping a tip can help stop the crimes.