Two catalytic converters were reported stolen from cars parked in a lot in the 2000 block of Bynan Drive in Ypsilanti Township sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning, according to a summary from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department.

One converter was estimated to have been stolen between 8:30 p.m. Thursday and 9:30 a.m. Friday. The other apparently was stolen between 12:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Friday.

There is no suspect information at this time.

Another catalytic converter theft was reported last month in Ypsilanti Township.

The catalytic converter is used to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before they leave the exhaust system. It's located in the car's exhaust system, and precious metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium or gold are used as the catalyst.

Police say thieves sell the converters to metal recyclers, who then extract the metal and resell it.

Unfortunately, police say, there are few precautions owners can take to protect the catalytic converter from being stolen.