Many drivers are conscientious about locking their cars or arming the security system but most do not think about individual parts of their vehicle that may be worth stealing.

Osage County Sheriff Mike Bonham said the theft of catalytic converters is rising, with some suspected thieves preying on unsuspecting people here.

“It takes an experienced thief about five minutes to steal your catalytic converter,” Bonham said. “They use a Sawzall and it takes two cuts. They’re done, and moving on to the next car. Be sure to l lock your vehicle and limit accessibility.”

Kyle A. Behrends, 33, of Sullivan, is being held at the Osage County Jail and Bonham has filed for charges involving the theft of catalytic converters. Behrends was out on bond from Franklin County at the time of the alleged theft. There, he was charged on April 17 with property damage in the first degree (damage with intent to steal), stealing, and tampering with the property of another. A hearing has been scheduled for July 8 in Franklin County.

This crime is also a nationwide problem, with thousands of catalytic converters stolen across the country every day, according to the Catalytic Converter Theft committee of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI), working in cooperation with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).

Catalytic converters are filtration units installed on the exhaust system of all types of vehicles. What makes them valuable to thieves is the fact that the precious metals utilized inside the filters are broken down and the precious metals are melted for their weight.

Targeted vehicles include large panel vans, diesel trucks, moving/box trucks, and some hybrid vehicles.

These vehicles are targeted because either the units are large and worth more money or the vehicles contain two catalytic converters. Larger units can bring scrapyard prices between $150 and $450.

Many lower emission/hybrid vehicles contain higher amounts of precious metals that are currently trading at all-time high prices, which is the catalyst for the increase in this crime. Some larger vehicles have multiple catalytic converters which make them prey for theft. The cost to the vehicle’s owner to repair can be several thousand dollars.

Most catalytic converters do not have serial numbers, making it difficult for law enforcement to prove a catalytic converter is stolen. IAATI and ISRI believe that starting a vigorous public education and information campaign to encourage vehicle owners to uniquely identify their catalytic converters, so they can be associated with a vehicle will have a substantial effect on deterring theft.

As a result, law enforcement has identified a trend wherein groups of educated individuals are teaching others how to steal catalytic converters.

These types of crimes are not easily traceable as the catalytic converters are not labeled with serial numbers linking them to a specific vehicle or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The units are sold soon after the theft, and current regulations and statutes limit enforcement.

IAATI and ISRI have compiled several ways for consumers to protect their valuable property by clearly marking the catalytic converter on their vehicle. While a consumer may do this, many shops can provide this marking as well.

— Option One: Engraving Marking

Engrave a number, such as the VIN or at least the last eight numbers of the VIN, or the vehicle’s license plate number with the state/province. Engravers can be purchased at most local hardware stores for around $20. Caution must be used to not damage the catalytic converter while etching.

— Option Two: Catalytic Converter Safe Label Solution

Vehicle owners and fleets may benefit from purchasing commercially produced marker kits that provide the following.

* An ultra-destruct label (that will break into pieces if an attempt is made to remove them) that provides an identification number onto each catalytic converter.

* Metal etching fluid that applies the same unique code into the metal.

* A secure free registration database.

Even if the label is removed, the etched number information will remain clearly readable for catalytic converter ownership to quickly be verified.

— Option Three: Make your catalytic converter standout.

Purchase some high-temperature (1300-2000 F), automotive exhaust spray paint in a bright color, and spray a generous amount onto the converter.

By adding bright paint, you can create a visible deterrent to alert thieves to move on.

This paint also signals law enforcement and recyclers to look deeper for serial numbers or identification marks.

By clearly marking your catalytic converter you will be deterring the theft from happening in the first place. Other ways to protect your car from this vehicle crime are as follows:

* Park in a garage or secured parking area

* Install a bright motion sensor light to discourage potential thieves.

* Install an anti-theft device.

* Always lock the vehicle and set the alarm.

* Fleet vehicles and minimally used vehicles should be parked in a secured, alarmed, well-lit yard.

Bonham added that any of these steps will give thieves pause. “The point for these people is that it’s a quick operation,” he said. “If they can’t get to it quickly, they’ll move on.”

Several statutes address this issue and Bonham said his office will continue to investigate with the hope of stemming the rise of thefts.