SANDPOINT - A recent theft from the Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity is underscoring a growing problem around the country.

A thief last month stole the catalytic converter mounted on the group's ReStore van, presumably to obtain the precious metals in the automotive part.

Habitat for Humanity uses the van to make deliveries and pickups for its ReStore, which sells donated home-improvement materials at discount prices. Proceeds from the ReStore are used to help Habitat build and improve homes.

But those proceeds might have to be used to replace the van's catalytic converter.

The theft is being investigated by Sandpoint Police.

Theft of catalytic converters, which blunt pollution-causing engine emissions, is becoming more commonplace as the price of precious metals rise, according to Nationwide Insurance.

Catalytic converters have been a required exhaust system component on all vehicles manufactured in the U.S. since 1975. Precious metals inside the device act as catalysts by converting carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful emissions via chemical reaction.

Precious metals within catalytic converters can include platinum, rhodium and palladium. Prices for each of the three metals are on downward trends, although they remain costly.

The InvestmentMine website reported that platinum was selling for $1,407 an ounce and rhodium was selling for $1,150 an ounce on Tuesday. Palladium was selling for $587 per ounce.

Vehicles with higher clearances are particularly vulnerable because thieves can slide underneath them without having to use a jack. Corporate fleets are also vulnerable because thieves can raid multiple vehicles in a single location.

Nationwide counsels consumers to park in well-lit or heavily-trafficked areas if they don't have a secure parking area. The company also recommends engraving your license plate number on the converter to make it traceable or using theft-deterrent systems that are on the market.

The theft from the ReStore van cost Habitat $684, said Don Hanset, a volunteer coordinator for Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity.

"We have insurance, but it's not clear whether the insurance will cover us," said Hanset.