HOBART | Four businesses along the busy U.S. 30 retail corridor were recently targeted by thieves in search of catalytic converters, police Lt. Steve Houck said.

Two catalytic converters were reported stolen on Tuesday from Ben Franklin Plumbing, 8183 Grand Boulevard and eight were reported stolen from Mike's Truck Rental, 5400 E. 81st Ave. on Monday, he said.

Thefts of catalytic converters were also reported within the last two days at Harbor Honda, 4613 E. Lincoln Highway and Toyota of Merrillville, 4450 E. 81st Ave., he said.

Houck believes all the thieves were committed by the same person or group.

Value of a catalytic converter is about $250 each depending on the shape of the equipment.

Houck said police have also contacted Valparaiso Police because Porter County has also had a rash of similar thefts.

Last week a Hobart man, believed to be stealing a catalytic converters from a Gary business, was found dead underneath a car.

Terry Davis, 54, was killed when a jack holding up one of the cars fell, crushing him, a Gary police officer said.