Police follow sound of power tools to man cutting out catalytic converter

Hamilton police say the sound of power tools,early Monday morning,led them to a Brampton man who was cutting out catalytic converters.

Dozens of vehicles across the region have been hit by catalytic converter thefts in recent months, according to investigators.The converters a component of a car's exhaust system are removed for theirhigh value metal, which is then sold at scrap metal yards.

Police sayofficers saw a man holding a bag of tools walking away from a group of parked cars in a nearby parking lot.

They arrested the 32-year-old and found two catalytic converters nearby.

Investigators say the Brampton man was recently arrested for a similar crime.

He's charged with theft, possession of stolen property and mischief allunder $5,000, along with possession of burglary tools.