El Centro Police report the theft of a catalytic converter from a vehicle.

The theft apparently occurred over the weekend and was reported Monday. The vehicle gas cap and gasoline were also reported taken. The vehicle was parked in the area of 2nd and Commercial Streets in El Centro. Catalytic converters thefts have been increasing nationwide as well as locally. The converters cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000 dollars to replace while the thieves get about $50.00 for the stolen merchandise at a recycling center.