A Hauppauge woman has been the victim of two catalytic converter thefts in just over two months.

Christine Hanmer says the first time her catalytic converter was stolen was on Feb. 11, and the second time was March 22. Both happened in front of her apartment.

"Somebody mentioned that there could be a chance that they might hit you again," Hanmer says. "I really didn't think that would be possible and I didn't think it would be so soon."

She says she has spent around $1,700 along with another $6,000 with insurance costs after both thefts.

Hanmer says she is now worried that she'll be the victim of a catalytic converter theft again.

She is now being proactive in the hope of preventing that. She is having a shield installed over her catalytic converted that is bolted in and a motion sensor that detects any activity near the converter.

Those safety precautions are costing her more money, but Hanmer hopes it will also give her some peace of mind.

"A few people told me not to bother that you're just wasting your money, but I have to try some kind of deterrent," Hanmer says.

Hanmer says she filed a report with police and is waiting for a detective to contact her. She also says catalytic converter thefts have become so common, her tow truck driver who picked up her car jokingly said, "I'll see you next month."