SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is warning people who own a Toyota Prius or a Honda Accord, to keep an eye on it.

Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise in the county and those two car models are being targeted.

Catalytic converters contain precious and valuable metals such as platinum and palladium and are generally easy to steal in just minutes, officials said.

Certain types of vehicles have catalytic converters which are more valuable than others. Prius and Accord converters are especially popular at this time.

The replacement of a catalytic converter can cost as much as $2,500-3,000 and in some cases repairs need to be made at the dealership.

The thefts are heavily concentrated in El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park.

EDSO has responded to a total of 60 reports of catalytic converter thefts in 2020 and the cases are under investigation. Thirty-two of the 60 stolen converter reports involved a Prius or an Accord, officials said.

Things that can help prevent a catalytic converter theft:

• Always park in well-lit areas

• Park within a fenced area that is secured at night

• Engrave your license plate number or your VIN on your

catalytic converter

• Park your vehicle in view of a camera surveillance system

• Have your catalytic converter secured to your vehicle frame

• Park your vehicle within a secured garage

• Park close to building entrances or nearest the road in a public

lot

• Be aware and report suspicious persons loitering near or

under parked vehicles

Officials are asking if anyone has more information have or witnesses any suspicious activity to contact the office at 530-621-6600.