A few people in Monmouth County weren’t able to drive their cars on Wednesday because thieves stole the catalytic converts from underneath the vehicles.

Two of the victims told News 12 New Jersey that they knew that these types of crimes were on the rise, but they said that they never thought it would happen to them.

Middletown police say there have been at least six incidents recently – four were stolen overnight and the thieves attempted to steal two more. The thefts mostly targeted Hondas.

Daniel Feliciano, of the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, says thieves tried to take his catalytic converter, but were stopped mid-act by an officer on patrol. Feliciano says that now it is left hanging on by a thread. It will have to be repaired or replaced.

Christopher Greiss, in the North Middletown area, says that he is thankful that his insurance will cover all but his $700 deductible. But he says that the theft is hard to accept.

“I have a rottweiler and Ring cameras and that’s not enough. My bedroom is about 15 feet away from where it happened and I didn’t hear anything,” he says.

Both victims say that a replacement will cost $1,000 to $3,000.

Police say that the suspect vehicle is a dark-colored BMW. They are asking residents to be aware and call them if they hear any unusual noises, especially in the overnight hours.