The theft of catalytic converters has increased in Mexicali in the last months.

According to Mexicali police every single day at least three or four devices are reported stolen.

Mexicali Police Assistant Deputy Chief of Operations Carlos Alfonso Romero told La Crónica newspaper that the issue has worried the law enforcement agency given the reduced amount of patrol cars.

Romero said the agency has focused in robberies — a crime that has seen a significant decline. However that has led to an increase of other crimes, including catalytic converter theft.

So far, Mexicali police has not detected a single criminal band dedicated to stealing vehicle devices, which makes it more complicated to address the issue.

The police plans to inspect metal recycling businesses in order to find criminals, Romero said. Catalytic converters can be sold for at least $200.