ST. CHARLES — Thieves in the St. Louis area in search of metals are now breaking into cars and stealing their catalytic converters.
In the city of St. Charles alone, police say more than 100 catalytic converters have been stolen since the beginning of the year.
The devices contain expensive metals such as platinum that thieves can sell for scrap.
Many of the thefts are happening on commuter lots and business parking lots, with SUVs the most popular targets because they sit high off the ground, making it easier to get to the converter.