Pacific Grove police receive two reports of catalytic converter thefts this week

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION) Several law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area have seen an increase in reports of catalytic converter thefts, and now some have been reported in Pacific Grove.

Police there said they have received two reports of catalytic converter thefts from different vehicles this week.

According to police, catalytic converters reduce exhaust emission, and there are precious metals inside. They said thieves tend to target hybrid vehicles because they have lower emissions, so less corrosion.

To avoid catalytic converter thefts, police suggest:

• Installing protective plates
• Parking in a locked garage or well lit area
• Engraving the vehicle's VIN on the catalytic converter
• Enabling the alarm system if it has one