Drivers can tell if their catalytic converters have been stolen if car sounds "loud and gravelly when started," police said. View Full Caption Shutterstock

CHICAGO — Catalytic converters were cut from at least eight cars parked around the Portage Park and Jefferson Park neighborhoods between Monday and Thursday last week, according to a police alert issued Monday.

Thieves usually target cars that have been parked in public areas for "prolonged periods," police said.

Drivers can tell if their catalytic converters have been stolen if their car sounds "loud and gravelly when started," according to the alert.

The thefts were reported at the following times and locations:

• At 10 p.m. Monday in the 6200 block of West Grace Street

• At 10 p.m. Monday in the 5500 block of West Windsor Avenue

• Between 5 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday in the 5400 block of West Windsor Avenue

• At 5:45 a.m. Tuesday in the 4500 block of North Mobile Avenue

• Between 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday in the 4800 block of West Dakin Street

• Between 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and 6:45 a.m. Thursday in the 5200 block of West Byron Street

• Between 7 p.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. Thursday in the 6200 block of West Warwick Avenue

• Between 3 p.m. Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the 6200 block of West Waveland Avenue

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call detectives at 312-744-8263.