There’s legislation in the works by the Virginia General Assembly to toughen the penalty for stealing catalytic converters.The emission control devices have become popular targets for thieves to cut out of a vehicle’s exhaust system. Thefts have increased across the country over the last two years as prices for the precious metals they contain have skyrocketed. The legislation makes tampering with or stealing a catalytic converter a Class 6 felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison.