Charles Epperson works at The Muffler Shop not far from Laurel Lake.

Where some thieves have apparently had their way with some unsuspecting boaters.

“And they will just roll up under there with a battery powered saw or a chain cutter, and remove the converter,” said Epperson

Victims tell us of leaving their cars or trucks at a boat ramp parking lot, going out on the boat, and returning later that day only to discover that their catalytic converter has been cut off their vehicle.

Many of the thefts have occurred at ramps in and around Laurel Lake, which straddles the Laurel/Whitley County line near Corbin and London.

Since metal sells for a high dollar..thieves target the platinum inside the converters because they know they can sell it at scrap yards.

“They get foreigns more than the domestics, they have a higher resale value,” said Epperson.

Replacing a converter can cost between $150 to $1500, depending on the make, model, and age of the car.

Some of the thefts are being worked by local police in the area, but the US Forest Service is also reportedly involved in the investigation.