Kansas University Public Safety officers are warning students to be careful after catalytic converters were stolen recently from underneath six vehicles in a parking lot near the residence halls on Daisy Hill.

Capt. Schuyler Bailey said officers believe the thefts occurred between Saturday and Wednesday, when an officer was called to Lot 300 near the Lied Center, where many students park their vehicles. The converters are stolen from vehicles because thieves can sell them at scrap yards for hundreds of dollars. It also costs vehicle owners hundreds of dollars to repair their vehicles.

Lawrence police in September said four converter thefts were reported at a parking lot outside Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and people have reported thefts in the Kansas City area this summer. Bailey said these appear to be the first instances of the converter thefts occurring on campus. He advised students to call KU police at 864-5900 if they see anyone suspicious in a parking lot or on campus.

“You have to be vigilant,” Bailey said, “as you are coming and going from places. We need their eyes and ears.”