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An uptick, locally and nationwide, of catalytic converter and vehicle thefts has area authorities on the alert, according to Montoursville police.
Catalytic converters, which are part of a car's exhaust system, can be sold for a high price as scrap metal.
"They contain expensive rare metals inside, which makes them a target for thieves. Since the metals deteriorate over the life of the vehicle, thieves target newer vehicles with low mileage," said the Montoursville Police Department in a Facebook statement.
Hybrid vehicles also often are targets, according to police. These vehicles only use the exhaust system part of the time, meaning they may contain more valuable metals.
In the Facebook post, Montoursville police released a list of precautionary measures that can be taken to help deter thieves.
One of these recommendations include parking in a well-lit area and highly traveled area, if possible.
According to police, car owners also could paint the catalytic converter a bright color, or engrave the VIN or the word "stolen" to discourage theft. These factors could make it more difficult for the metal to be sold, even signaling to scrap yards that the equipment was stolen.
Security cameras are another way of deterring criminals, according to Lauren Lesher, public information officer for the State Police, Montoursville Barracks.
"Cameras, security cameras, motion lights... Some security systems are expensive. Trail cameras for hunting are something that can be used -- It doesn't need to be fancy. It doesn't guarantee anything, but it helps," Lesher said.
"We have had quite a lot in the area. It’s a problem all over the area unfortunately," Lesher said.
There has also been an uptick in vehicle theft, according to Montoursville police.
"With vehicles - both new and used - being so valuable and parts being hard to get, thieves are stealing cars. They are also stealing cars for joy riding," police said on Facebook.
Cars with key fobs left in them have been targeted. It's also becoming more common for thieves to hack, and also from hacking newer car's computer systems.
According to police, some of the preventatives to car theft are avoiding leaving your key fob in the car, installing a "kill switch" in the car, installing a "club" or brake pedal locks, and more.
More information on how to prevent catalytic converter theft and car theft can be found on The Montoursville Police Department Facebook.