A few drivers in Harrisonburg may have hundreds of dollars in car repairs in their future.

Harrisonburg police say three more catalytic converters were stolen in the city Monday. The thefts occurred at Wood Grill Buffet, Americast, and Smart Shopper on South Main Street.

The theft of catalytic converters is a problem nationally and in the Valley.

The Smiths have heard about the thefts in Harrisonburg, including one at Harrisonburg Crossing Shopping Center. They're thinking about ways to keep their car protected.

"Probably park closer to the store, where it's more well lit," says Thomas Smith.

There have been a series of catalytic converter thefts, but it can still be tough to imagine being a victim.

"We always think about it happening to somebody else," says Paige Smith.

With a battery-operated saw, thieves can easily get to the valuable car part. It takes just seconds for thieves to get under your car and make off with a catalytic converter.

Mike Michael works across the street from Americast, where a catalytic converter was stolen Monday. He says people at work have been looking out.

"They were just trying to, kind of, warn everybody today to keep an eye on the parking lot if you see anything suspicious going on," says Michael.

Many people, like Dottie Furrow, don't plan to change their driving habits.

"I'm a trusting person," says Furrow. "I don't lock my van, unless I've got something already in it."

Police are encouraging drivers to watch for people suspiciously tinkering with cars and report such activity. Some drivers say they plan to do just that.

"If I saw somebody messing with somebody's car, I'd probably try to find out why," says Furrow.

Catalytic converter thefts can be very costly, sometimes costing drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs.

The problem in the Valley extends beyond Harrisonburg. In February, Staunton Hyundai had 17 converters stolen at one time.