Creeps Copping Catalytic Converters in New Lenox

Crooks struck twice Thursday, stealing the catalytic converters off a pair of cars parked on the west side of town.

One of the cars was parked in the lot of Williamson's restaurant. The theft was discovered shortly after 4:30 p.m.

The second theft was reported a little more than two hours later in the nearby Kmart parking lot.

An emission control device, a catalytic converter contains "precious metals that act as catalysts," according to Nationwide Insurance's website.

"With the price of precious metals skyrocketing, thieves are helping themselves to catalytic converters that contain enough platinum, palladium or rhodium to make it worth the risk to cut it from the underbelly of your vehicle," the site said. "You might become aware that your catalytic converter has been stolen when your vehicle starts with a gravelly roar."

Go check out our Facebook page.