VALDOSTA – The Valdosta Police Department is advising residents to be wary of catalytic converter theft.

This is a response to a slew of catalytic converter thefts reported throughout the city in recent weeks. However, this has been a national issue since March 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Catalytic converters are devices that look like a small muffler with the exhaust system and are usually placed on the underside of vehicles. They are designed to convert hazardous exhaust gases emitted from a vehicle into less harmful gases.

Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum and rhodium; thieves steal the auto part as recyclers pay $50-$250 per converter.

VPD sent out a public service announcement, giving four tips to help combat a potential theft:

– Park in a garage or secured parking area.

– Install bright, motion sensor lights to dissuade potential thieves.

– Park fleet vehicles in secured, alarmed and well-lit areas that are under video surveillance.

– Always lock vehicles and set alarms.