CROWN POINT | Catalytic converter thieves struck the city Tuesday night, stealing five converters from vehicles parked at local businesses.

The Tuesday night thefts are the second to hit Crown Point this week; two catalytic converters were reported stolen Tuesday. All of the thefts came from business parking lots, according to police reports.

"Usually businesses are closed for the day, the employees pack up and leave so there's less likelihood of (a thief) being seen," said Crown Point Police Assistant Chief Jim Janda. "Whereas in an apartment complex or neighborhood, people are in and out of buildings a lot."

The most recent thefts were reported to Crown Point Police early Wednesday morning. Two catalytic converters were taken from a vehicle in the lot of All In One, 905 Hub Court and three catalytic converters were taken from vehicles in the parking lot of Ed's Auto, 1122 N. Indiana Ave.

The part, used to clean the air and help with vehicle efficiency, contains valuable metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. Thieves steal the part to sell for the precious metals.