Dubliners are being warned to take note as thieves obsessed with stealing catalytic converters are targeting specific types of cars for their newest string of thefts.
A Catalytic Converter is an exhaust emission control device which reduces toxic gases and pollutants into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction.
Thefts of these have become so popular in recent months because of their value and how easy they are to steal plus their lack of identification.
It contains several metals including small amounts of rhodium which is like platnium. This type of metal is very rare and valuable.
Recent thefts of this kind have shown that thieves seem to be more inclined to cut catalytic converters from Toyotas.
There have been several reported catalytic converter thefts involving Toyotas in recent weeks with the Prius being the most popular target.
A woman's car was allegedly vandalised in north Dublin during the week along with a string of other Toyota cars in broad daylight.
Last week, a woman warned drivers to be vigilant after the catalytic converter on her car was stolen in during the day at a busy north Dublin car park.
The converter attached to the exhaust is taken by jacking the car up with some professional thieves capable of taking them within 90 seconds.
This woman was also driving a Toyota Prius and hybrid cars tend to be the main targets for the theft, although other cases have also been recorded.
Mercedes and Volkswagen cars are also on the list for watchful thieves with gardai warning the public to be vigilant of the rise in thefts.
A spokesman told Dublin Live: "These are being stolen for their high value metal and are expensive to replace.
"The catalytic converter is the exhaust emission control device which is attached to the exhaust on the under body of the vehicle.
"While all vehicle models can be targeted, thieves are particularly targeting older model Hybrid cars.
"The thieves can jack up a car and the theft only takes a few minutes to complete.
"A lot of these thefts occur in broad daylight and sometimes in public car parks.
