Knox crime: Catalytic converters stolen from cars across Knox

Environmentally conscious thieves are nabbing an unusual item from unsuspecting Knox car owners.

An employee welds parts onto an car catalytic converter emission control device. There have been a series of thefts of converters from cars across Knox.

Detectives have arrested three men after a series of catalytic converters were stolen from cars across Knox.

Knox detective acting Sergeant Rod Church said there had been eight separate thefts of catalytic converters, exhaust emission control devices that are attached to the bottom of vehicles, in Knox in July.

The devices convert toxic gases and pollutants into less harmful pollutants.

A series of similar thefts emerged in NSW earlier this year, with the converters fetching anywhere from $300-$500 on the scrap metal black market.

Acting Sgt Church said officers raided two properties in Lilydale and Mooroolbark last week, and recovered four of the converters from an address in Mooroolbark.

Two men from Mooroolbark, aged 22 and 19, and a Lilydale man, 21, have been charged with two counts of theft and were bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Acting Sgt Church urged car owners to be vigilant, and park their vehicles in a secure location where possible.