PITTSBURGH -- The Port Authority has had reports of catalytic converters being sawed off vehicles at three local Park-and-Ride lots.

Someone cut the catalytic converter from underneath Kristen Matthews' SUV parked at a Park-and-Ride in Forest Hills.

"I felt really violated. I'm really upset that somebody would do that," said Matthews.

Officials said there have been similar thefts across the country. In Dayton, Ohio, a surveillance camera captured a thief in action.

The converters, which help control emissions, are popular because they contain precious metals that can be resold.

Mechanic Damon Rauso said you can take them to the scrap yard and get $100 a piece.

So how do the thieves get the converters? They slide under the vehicle, locate the converter and either use a hacksaw or an electric saw to cut off the converter.

In an effort to combat the thefts, Port Authority police have stepped up patrols and they're asking people to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.

Replacing a converter can run from $300 to $1,500.