A string of very unusual thefts that has been coming across the nation has hit Iowa City recently. Thieves are stealing catalytic converters from a variety of different types of vehicles.



According to Patch.com, there have been 6 reports of thefts of catalytic converters in an area of Iowa City from June 27 and July 5. This large concentration of thefts from vehicles parked at many different locations has sparked the attention of authorities.

Iowa City Police have noticed that this is not a common theft that occurs. They have noted that it is not something that is seen very often, but they have doubts that it is the car parts themselves at the root of this particular theft.

Catalytic converters are devices found in a variety of different types of vehicles. They are designed to reduce the toxicity of emissions that come from any type of vehicle from motorcycles to forklifts.

Authorities don't believe that the individuals stealing the catalytic converters are actually after them. They attribute the thefts to a variety of precious metals located inside the converters. These metals are rare and very valuable. They include gold, rhodium and even platinum. Some of these precious metals are valued at over $9,000 per ounce.

Only small amounts of these metals are in the converters, which may explain the multiple thefts that have occurred.

The suspect has been spotted briefly by one of the victims as a male in his mid-20s of medium height driving a four-door gold Nissan. Anyone with information about these thefts is encouraged to call the Iowa City Area Crimestoppers.