Thieves in Las Cruces apparently are setting their sights on catalytic converters.
Several automobile muffler shops in the southern New Mexico city report seeing a rash of vehicles brought in because of thefts of the emission control devices.
Bob Mocerino says vehicle owners who are victims of converter thefts typically walk into his muffler shop describing how their vehicle is "really loud right now."
Las Cruces police spokesman Dan Trujillo says catching the thieves can be challenging.
Trujillo says thieves typically steal converters from SUVs and other vehicles with high ground clearance while the vehicles are large lots.
According to the Las Cruces Sun-News, Trujillo and several mechanics say many people report catalytic converters stolen from the parking lot of Mesilla Valley Mall.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.