Catalytic converter thefts seem to be making a comeback after a lull seen in recent years, and school buses are not safe from the spike, leaving impacted districts scrambling to maintain student transportation schedules. 

Late last week, 20 catalytic converters from First Student buses in Waukesha, Wisconsin, were stolen overnight, according to The Waukesha Freeman. The nighttime theft led to widespread school bus delays and cancellations on Thursday, June 5. 

"This type of crime not only impacts property, but directly affects the daily lives of students and families," Waukesha police told FOX6 News Milwaukee. "We are dedicating a significant amount of investigative resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice." 

The catalytic converters were stolen from parked buses at First Student Inc., at 1505 Arcadian Ave. The company is the main transportation provider for the School District of Waukesha. 

First Student Brings in Extra Vehicles to Cover Afternoon Routes 

The incident forced many parents to scramble for alternative transportation. 

One parent, Andrew Kreblin, told The Waukesha Freeman that he was heading to work when he received a notice that his children's bus route would not run that day. 

"[...] a relative came to the rescue. But for my case, they were able to go to school, but for the kids that didn't make it, and I heard there were kids still on bus stops without a clue of what was going on," Kreblin said. 

Another parent, Derek Hsu, told The Waukesha Freeman that his child and nine others were left waiting at their bus stop with no clue about the situation. 

"I'm sure there are kids at our stop whose parents drop them off on the way to work, expecting their child to be reliably bused to school. Some of those parents could be justifiably upset," Hsu said. 

According to FOX6 News Milwaukee, the bus company got 17 extra buses for the afternoon routes, which was enough to fill all but two routes. 

Why Catalytic Converters Remain a Magnet for Thieves 

Catalytic converters are often targets of theft because of the precious metals used to make them and they are easy to access underneath vehicles. Some customers and operators even take extra precautions by building metal cages around them. 

Waukesha Police Department investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and looking for any witnesses or individuals with information related to this theft. 

No arrests have been made, but Waukesha Police Capt. Dan Baumann urges anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area overnight or who has relevant information to contact Detective Chris Bloom at 262-524-3785.