Riverside police have noticed a huge increase in the number of catalytic-converter thefts in the first four months of the year.

According to a department press release, RPD crime analyst Robert Balisi says the number of thefts so far this year is six times what it was during the same period last year.

There have been 34  such thefts between Jan. 1 and April 16 — and more than 90 percent involve ’90s-model Toyota trucks and SUVs.

Converters are becoming an increasingly popular target for thieves across the country. The devices, used to reduce emissions, contain several precious metal — platinum, palladium and rhodium.

Thieves can sell the converters for $50-$80 each; replacing them can cost victims up to $3,000.

Apartment-complex parking lots appear to be a popular haunt for thieves. Police recommend parking in a garage or a well-lighte, heavily traveled area. If you have a car alarm, a sensor can be placed on the converter.

You can also have a mechanic or a welder attach it more securely.

If your converter is stolen, and there is no known suspect, you can call the non-emergency police line at (951) 826-5314 or use the new online reporting service at www.rpdonline.org/report.

– posted at 1:29 p.m. by Cathy Maestri