Virginia Beach, Va. - Samaritan House says seven catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles and the repairs could cost around $10,000.
The vehicles were having trouble and were taken in for repair, according to a Facebook post. That was when the thefts were discovered.
"To have the tables turned and find ourselves the victim was really pretty horrifying," said Angela Kellam, the executive director.
The vehicles are used to transport victims of domestic violence and the victims are seeing an "influx of needs." Samaritan House is located on Southern Boulevard.
"It was callous. It was cowardly," Kellam said about the discovery of the missing parts. Catalytic converters help with vehicles' emissions. They contain platinum, which thieves try to sell.
For now, the staff is using personal vehicles and public transportation to make sure the victims get to things like appointments and job interviews.
As a nonprofit, Samaritan House is always trying to stretch a dollar. "We're in a dilemma do we spend the dollar to repair a car or do we spend the dollar to clothe our families, feed or families?" asked Kellam.
Police took a report for the thefts this afternoon.
To help, you can visit theSamaritan House websiteand donate.
