The precious metals that make up a catalytic converter are proving to be too precious to pass up for criminals as the number of thefts have skyrocketed in both Nassau and Suffolk counties this year.

News 12 Long Island has learned catalytic converter thefts are up 248% so far this year in Nassau County. Last year 445 were stolen, and this year more than 1,500 have been stolen so far.

In Suffolk County, 289 were stolen in 2021 and so far in 2022 a total of 819 have been stolen. That is a 184% increase in the past year.

Police in both Nassau and Suffolk are asking residents to do everything they can to prevent car thefts.

“Park it in a well lit area or park it in your driveway if you can. Make sure if it's winter time, keep your window a little cracked so you can hear if someone's outside,” said Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.

Meanwhile, some commuters say they are on edge.

“Lock everything up, but that’s not going to prevent it,” said one commuter.

This Sunday, Oct. 2, the Suffolk County Police Department is working with community partners to host a catalytic converter crime prevention event in St. James where it will provide the public with free catalytic converter etching kits to help ward off potential thieves.