Police are probing a rash of catalytic converter thefts in the Hudson Valley.

Police say brazen thieves looking to profit off of record precious metals prices are sawing converters off of new cars in dealership parking lots and going after cars parked in commuter lots. A converter can be worth $100 or more at a scrap metal yard nowadays.

"It's a real problem. There's no doubt about that," says John Valenta of Johnny's Service Center.

John Dummett, a commuter who uses the Harriman Metro-North station, says recent thefts have unnerved him.

"I guess the most you can hope for is that ? the patrols come by and make sure that your car's OK," he says.