WORCESTER, Mass. - For the past four years, Worcester has seen a steady rise in catalytic converter thefts, but there are some steps drivers can take to try and protect their vehicle from becoming a target. 

According to the Worcester Police Department, there were 77 thefts in 2020, 134 in 2021 and 205 last year. Catalytic converters turn toxic gases and pollutants into exhaust, and many of them contain precious metals that sell for a relatively high price. 

Scott St. Hilaire, Owner of Scott & Sons Auto Repair in Worcester, said it's best for drivers to be proactive and install spotlights and cameras near their vehicle if possible. There are also other tactics that might not immediately come to mind. 

"There's a special paint you can get to paint the area of the catalytic converter, put some information on it to ward off thieves," St. Hilaire said. "Also, there's a heat strap that you wrap around it and once the exhaust has heated up, it tightens to the point you can't get it off or cut through it."

The thefts often leave drivers stuck in a lengthy insurance claim process as they try to navigate daily life without transportation. Helaire said repairs can cost as much as $3,000, and insurance companies have grown less helpful as thefts have become more common. 

On Tuesday, the Worcester City Council asked for a report detailing how the rising threat is being investigated and dealt with. Lt. Sean Murtha of the Worcester Police Department said some details on how officers investigate these thefts can't be shared, but the issue has their full attention and is being taken seriously. 

"This is something that's grown and become a bigger problem nationally, including here in Worcester," Murtha said. "So it's something we're investigating, and if you have any information about anyone who is stealing catalytic converters or might be bothered, please give us a call."

He added many of the thefts involve someone stealing multiple converters at a time, which is why people in the auto repair industry like St. Hilaire are always on alert. 

"There's a lot of guys out there, scrap guys, and they go around to places like mine and they're not all on the up-and-up," St. Hilaire said. "They'll take the scrap and maybe they're eyeballing around to see if there's a lot of vehicles around that might be in areas that are not so well lit so they can come back."