Bedford County investigators say they've broken up a ring of thieves who've stolen thousands of dollars in the form of car parts. Investigators say this has been an issue for the last year and a half and the big break in the case came from a salvage yard owner determined to stop it.

Now, three men face serious charges. At Bedford Auto Salvage, they're used to pulling parts out of cars. But not long ago, parts started disappearing on their own.

Tony Dyess, Bedford Auto Salvage - "There were 70 taken over a time period of a month and a half."

Thieves were targeting catalytic converters, the item on your car that cuts down on pollution.

Dyess - "There's a comb in the center of it, and that actually holds the precious metals."

Precious metals like platinum, that fetch a pretty price, $100 or more at the scrap yard. The thefts had a Montvale junkyard owner on the lookout.

Major Ricky Gardner, Bedford County Sheriff's Office - "He was in a position to hear some noises, investigate and actually catch two of the individuals."

Deputies say he caught 53-year-old Gregory Brown and 38-year-old Bobby Taylor in the act. When questioned, deputies say both admitted to similar thefts at Bedford Auto Salvage. And they say 62-year-old Darell Martin took part.

Major Gardner - "They were going from one scrap metal business to the next scrap metal business selling it, anywhere from Campbell County and on to Roanoke County."

News of Martin's arrest was a shock to those at Bedford Auto Salvage.

Dyess - "It hit a little bit closer than anybody realized."

Martin used to manage the site, when it was under a different owner. The three men face a number of crimes, including grand larceny.

Major Gardner - "We do hope that this sends a message that we're not going to tolerate that."

Investigators say scrap metal businesses can help, by taking ID from people who turn in items. Pawn Shops are required by law to do so.