SHEBOYGAN - An emission control device on vehicles has become a prime target for thieves nationwide, including in Sheboygan.

Sheboygan police on Monday said in a news release that thefts of catalytic converters are on the rise in the city.

The device is part of a vehicle's exhaust system, is externally located and contains valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium, which is why it is a target for thieves.

Police said theft of a catalytic converter can be done by experienced thieves in just a few minutes, making it hard to detect. 

They also said the crime can be prevented if police and the community work together to practice prevention and report suspicious activity. 

Police said the following vehicles are more susceptible to "CAT" theft:

According to Sheboygan police, the following steps can help prevent the theft of a catalytic converter:

Anyone with information about catalytic converter theft can call Sheboygan police at 920-459-3333 or report information anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 877-283-8436 or online at cufthem.com.

Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.