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A string of catalytic converter thefts in the town of Needham is leaving some drivers in a bad place.

When a victim tries to start a car after the part is stolen, the noise is so loud that it's startling. They have to get it replaced.

"Monday morning, my wife started it. It made a horrible sound," said Rob Litrownik, whose Toyota Prius was parked in a Needham driveway when the expensive part was stolen.

From just the past week, Needham police say they are investigating catalytic converter thefts on Wilshire Park, Greenwood Avenue, Emerson Road, Woodledge Road and Plymouth Road.

The crooks can get a hefty payday when the stolen part is sold to a junkyard.

Older model Prius vehicles and some Honda models seem to be the easiest targets.

"We reported it to police and they said it takes less than 5 minutes," said Litrownik.

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