Thieves targeting church vans across the Triangle area have been putting vehicles completely out of commission after stealing their catalytic converters, according to officials.

Officials said suspects targeted multiple churches in Rocky Mount, Tarboro and Chapel Hill. Police said nearly a dozen thefts happened in Chapel Hill at the end of December.

Police are warning churches and businesses to park their car under a light or facing security cameras.

Catalytic converters are stolen because of the value of their metal.

Officials encourage people to check under their vehicles to see if they've been targeted,

The sheriff’s office is looking for tips that will help them find the suspects involved in these thefts and ask anyone with information call them.