Police in one Hudson Valley community are warning about recent cases of catalytic converter thefts.

Last week in Port Chester, catalytic converters were removed from parked cars in the village, according to police.

Police didn't specify where the cases happened.

"Anybody who can hear me speaking knows someone who has had their catalytic converter stolen, that’s just the truth," says Lee Melgar, who owns CCM Auto Repairs in Port Chester.

Melgar says this has been an issue for years. But he has noticed less people dealing with the problem so far this year.

The same goes for police departments in other parts of the Hudson Valley.

Regardless, it’s something on a lot of people's radars.

“I thought it stopped but I guess when people need money, they will do anything," says Yonkers resident Felix Serrano.

Officials say there are tools that can help discourage thieves.

“You can add an additional shield, there’s also something like a cable wire that gets wrapped around and locked in place, that also slows thieves down," Melgar explains.

Police are asking everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.