Thieves are targeting school buses in Omaha, stealing thousands of dollars worth of parts.
Six catalytic converters and 66 batteries have been stolen this summer alone. It’s an ongoing issue that's costing Student Transportation of America big bucks.
Kevin Pinkleman, the Omaha area maintenance manager, told 6 News the thieves are using electric saws to cut the pipes underneath buses that connect to the catalytic converters, which are used to purify the air and meet EPA standards. Each converter costly nearly $900.
The batteries are nearly $80 a pop. The combined cost to replace everything that is missing is nearly $11,000-not including the cost of labor.
Pinkleman tells 6 News all three of the bus lots that have been targeted have security. They plan to increase security.
STA officials say the thefts won't have an impact on the upcoming school year.