WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- A rash of thefts is plaguing a Central Ohio community, leaving victims without one of the most critical needs in their daily lives -- transportation.
The crime spree has left dozens of victims with cars that don't run properly because catalytic converters are being stolen around Westerville, NBC 4's Lauren Diedrich reported.
"When I turned it on, it sounds like a helicopter," said Kristen Baker, a victim.
Baker said her catalytic converter was stolen from her Jeep while she was at work at Chase Bank in Westerville Saturday night.
"I was thinking, 'How on earth, just sitting in a parking spot, could that have happened?'" Baker said.
Westerville police said the same thefts happened to four other drivers last week.
In the same Chase Bank parking lot, criminals hit two other cars.
Two thefts were reported from St. Ann's Hospital and another near Polaris Parkway.
Police said the criminals are targeting busy parking lots in the middle of the day, Diedrich reported.
"They're looking for pick-up trucks, things with high under carriages that somebody can easily slide under," said Cpl. Jon Bagwell of Westerville police.
Bagwell said it takes only minutes to remove the park that can be resold for its precious metals inside.
For drivers like Baker, it's the precious time wasted dealing with her damaged car that's the real issue.
"It's not drivable," she said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Westerville police.
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
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