Police around the Valley are looking for thieves who have been ripping off a very expensive car part.

Catalytic converters are used to reduce toxic emissions, and police say the thieves steal them for the platinum inside. Thieves are targeting trucks and sports utility vehicles that are easy to get under.

Nelson Swartz, owner of the Harrisonburg Auto Mall, says his staff discovered that catalytic converters had been taken from ten of their cars on Monday.

In some areas thieves can get around $200 dollars for the part, but the theft certainly costs dealers much more.

"The replacement value for us, I think is $800 to $1,000. It could be as much as $2,000 per car, because both ends the the exhaust need to be repaired and replaces also," says Swartz, who is concerned that this happened to his dealership,

However, Swartz says more people than just the car dealers should be concerned.

"It think it could happen to anyone. It's not just the dealers, but it can be the private individuals in your communities or where ever, and all of us should be alerted," continues Swartz.

Virginia State trooper Chad Morris is a crime prevention specialist and he says there has been an increase in this kind of theft.

He says, "We've had quite a number of catalytic converters stolen in Rockingham County, and now the city of Harrisonburg and even down into Augusta County. So this particular area, it does seem that's more of an item that thieves are targeting."

Morris also gives a few suggestions such as: make sure your car is secured, put it in the garage if you can, and pay attention for things that don't look right.

"If you see something out of the ordinary, certainly call state police any local sheriffs office," continues Morris.

Since the theft, Harrisonburg Auto Mall has stepped up its security. Meanwhile, police say a lot of their tips for catching thieves is people coming forward with information.

Another thing thieves are interested in when it comes to your car is your vehicle identification number. They can take the VIN to a dealership and have a key made so they can drive off in your car.

There have been a number of websites and e-mails warning of this kind of thefft, and some car dealers in the Valley admit, it's possible, but not at their dealerships.

David Gillette With Bob Wade Auto World says, "Normally, under those circumstances, we do require some proof of ownership of the vehicle. Also a drivers license and possible registration if that's obtainable."