Thieves Targeting Wayland Toyota Prius Owners: Police

WAYLAND, MA — Wayland police say thieves are targeting one of the most popular hybrid vehicles over an expensive and very important car part.

Police have recently heard several reports about catalytic converters being stolen from Toyota Prius cars in Wayland, the department said Monday. Catalytic converter thefts are relatively common, but the car part — made from rare, expensive metals — is especially valuable when taken from a Prius.

That's because catalytic converters on hybrid cars have more precious metals in them, especially Prius models made between 2004 and 2009, according to Kelley Blue Book. The part filters emissions created by combustion engines.

Catalytic converters are located underneath vehicles, which means thieves may not necessarily trigger any alarms while stealing the part. Wayland police are advising Prius owners to "stay vigilant" and contact the department about any suspicious activity.