After several catalytic converter thefts earlier this year, Campus Police Capt. Jon Barnwell said the number of thefts slowed, only to increase again last week.

Barnwell said catalytic converters are important because they lower the emissions that a car releases into the atmosphere.

“We had a rash of thefts in July, and there were about nine or 10 catalytic converters stolen,” Barnwell said. “There was a cease in activity but then there were three just last week.”

Catalytic Converters are popular among thieves because of the precious metals they contain. Because catalytic converters are on the bottom of the car, they are an easy target for thieves, according to Barnwell.

“A catalytic converter contains platinum and rhodium,” Barnwell said. “These two precious metals can be recycled and exchanged for money. Catalytic converters have also been targeted for resale, but for the most part, thieves want to harvest the metals.”

The majority of the thefts occurred along Hillsborough Street in Brook’s lot and Square lot. Campus Police are trying to make people who park in the area aware of the thefts, according to Barnwell.

Barnwell also said Campus Police regularly survey the areas common to theft.

“We look at the areas that have been targeted and we coordinate in the area,” he said. “Surprisingly, most of the thefts were between Monday and Friday and between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. We want people in the area to be aware so they can watch for any suspicious behavior.”

Joel Pegram, a freshman in civil engineering, said he believes people don’t pay enough attention to their surroundings in parking lots.

“People are kind of oblivious when they’re walking to their cars,” Pegram said. “A lot of people I see are talking on their cell phones or listening to their iPods, and they’re usually tuning the world out. If they’ve got their music up loud, they can’t even hear what’s going on.”

Pegram also said people are distracted and they may not notice suspicious behavior occurring around them.

“I’ve seen people on their cell phones and they’re not even watching where they’re walking so I know they’re not watching other people around them,” he said.

Matt Moricle, a freshman in physics, said he believes people would be more careful walking to their cars if Campus Police made the dangers more known.

“A lot of people don’t here about stuff that’s happened so they don’t know the danger that’s there,” Moricle said. “People don’t consciously look for stuff that’s going on in the parking lots. Just because the parking lots are lit, people assume the lots are safe.”

Barnwell said since there are not many things people can do to prevent these thefts. People need to keep a watchful eye anywhere they go.

“Sadly, there’s not a whole lot people can do,” he said. “We tell people to never leave valuables in their car, but it’s not like people can just take their converters with them. The most important thing is to look out and be a good community member. Not only do people need to make sure their car is safe, but they also need to watch out for other people’s cars and report any suspicious behavior.”