Yonkers police arrested four men in connection to catalytic converter thefts Tuesday night.

Plainclothes officers were surveilling Delano Avenue at Agawam when they saw the catalytic converter theft in progress.

The four men led police on a chase through city streets and the New York State Thruway, eventually coming to a stop at Underhill Street after

striking a marked police car. The men attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended by officers.

Junior Silverio, 25, along with 18-year-old Edwin Fortunato-Tapia, 19-year-old Luis Estevez-Peralta and 25-year-old Andy Rosario are facing several

charges, including a felony grand larceny charge.

Investigators say catalytic converter thieves are highly motivated.

"Catalytic converters have three different precious metals. They're extremely valuable.  There's platinum, there's palladium and there's rhodium and I

think rhodium may be more valuable than gold per ounce," said Yonkers police commissioner John Mueller.

Police say thieves can score big paydays, getting anywhere from $50 to $300 each, selling catalytic converters to scrap yards.

"Always be very mindful of double-parked cars. What the offenders will do, they will double park against the target vehicle, and they go under the

car and they cut it," said Commissioner Mueller.

To avoid falling victim to thieves, police say drivers should park in a garage, a well-lit area or near security cameras, if possible.