Catalytic converters stolen from cars at East Chicago train station

EAST CHICAGO, Ind. (WLS) -- A number of catalytic converters were stolen from underneath cars parked at an East Chicago, Indiana train station on the South Shore Line.

Six vehicles, all Chevrolet Cavaliers, had the metal-rich devices stolen and several vehicles had to be towed because of the exhaust systems left hanging from the cars.

Transit police are reviewing security camera video, which indicates the thefts started at 11:20 a.m. and ended within minutes. From the time the offender opened his car door to commit the crime, to the time he returned back to his car and drove off, a total of one minute transpired.

Thieves use battery operated, high-powered, reciprocating saws to commit the crime which leaves a clean cut to the exhaust system pipes.

Catalytic converter thefts can cost victims upwards of $1,000 to repair and replace.