(WSBT) Scrappers have found a new target and it might be parked in your driveway.

Police in Van Buren County say over the last two months they’ve had a jump in the number of catalytic converters stolen out of cars.

“It’s widespread throughout the county — from county end to county end,” commented Detective Gabrielle Rought of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department.

Catalytic Converters are used to remove the pollutants in car exhaust and contain a small amount of platinum.

“I know I priced one the other day on an older Grand Cherokee — a ‘93 or ‘94 Grand Cherokee — it was $856 for a new one,” said Don Meadow Mechanic Ricky Luther.

At the scrap yard you can get between $10 and $100.

Luther says they’re an easy target on most cars.

He explained, “All you need is a hacksaw or a saw, cut it on either side and drop it out.”

Police in Van Buren County say catalytic converters have been stolen out of cars parked in public parking lots and in people’s driveways during the day and in the night.

“Since the vehicles are unattended and parked, that makes it an easy target for thieves, and with the increase in scrap metal, they seem to be valuable in that area,” said Rought.

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries says catalytic converter thefts are on the rise across the country and is a trend they expect to grow.

If your converter is stolen, mechanics say you'll know right away. Your car will sound louder and your check engine light should go on, but you should still be able to drive it.

Van Buren police say they have no suspects in the converter thefts. If you have any information contact police.