Police have been investigating an increasing number of cases involving catalytic converter thefts. A catalytic converter is a component of all vehicle exhaust systems and it contains rare earth minerals like platinum, radium, and rhodium. In a vehicle, the minerals work to remove pollutants to make the air cleaner. Individual cases have been reported, and some car dealerships in the area have been hit by theives. If the converter is gone, the vehicle will make a loud sound. The West Virginia Auto Dealers Association now requires a scrap metal dealer to pay by check and hold the purchase for 14 days.