CONYERS, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office has investigated 18 cases this year for stolen catalytic converters.
Most of the thefts are from cars in parking lots, but one parking lot in particular is getting a lot of attention.
According to police reports, five cars at the Rockdale Medical Center have been hit since the beginning of the year, the most of any location in the county.
Surveillance video from the hospital shows two men getting out of what appears to be an early 2000s model, maroon, Chevrolet Impala.
"They do it at night. They come in and jack them up - take electric saws, cut them off and they are out pretty fast," Jody Wages said.
Wages is the owner of Georgia Tire and Automotive in Conyers. His company was hit last month.
"They stole the catalytic converter out of one of my personal cars," Wages said. "But, we have had some customers cars hit. It is pretty bad when you come here in the morning and you have customers that come out to their car, and it cranks up and it's very loud and you have to explain to your customer what went on."
"The most common vehicle make being targeted are Toyotas," Investigator Michael Camp with the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office said. "The most popular model is the 4 Runner SUV."
Some of the converters can sell for scrap for about $60 to $250, according to Wages.
"Depending on the type of car, it can cost above a thousand dollars to replace," Wages said.
Conyers police are also investigating multiple cases of catalytic converter thefts. In June, 13 cars in the city limits had their catalytic converters stolen.
"It ticks you off, a tougher law needs to be passed to keep these guys from selling them for scrap," Wages said.
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