A new trend among criminals is to go after the vehicles catalytic converter. Under federal regulation, it is illegal to operate a vehicle without one of these parts, since they reduce emissions from the exhaust system. The part is so valuable because it has platinum inside, and is worth well over 100 dollars at a salvage yard. Unfortunately, for the victims of the new crime sensation replacing one can run up to 800 dollars. Officials tell drivers the best way to foil these crooks is to park the car in a garage, or point a security camera at it.