SACRAMENTO—

First it was the ATM at the State Fair targeted by an alleged thief. Darius Evans, 21, was arrested accused of stealing and using credit card numbers.

Now, your car is a target.

Up to 14,000 cars are left for safe keeping in a given day at the fair, as occupants enjoy the midway.

“We had one theft earlier on in the fair and one four or six days ago; and last night there were six,” said Cal Expo Police Chief Robert Craft.

They’re making off with your catalytic converter, going after SUVs and pickup trucks that sit high off the ground. The thefts happen at night, so the culprits hide under the car and take the precious metal.

Fairgoers we spoke with, some were unaware of the crimes.

“They should warn us, there’s a lot of people out here at the fair,” said Veronica Cazaras.

Fox40 did see police out on bikes, patrolling the parking lot. We were also told there was increased surveillance since the heists took place.

“Anytime you park in a big lot, it’s park at your own risk,” said Chuck Palmer, he was visiting the fair with his wife and child.

Cal Expo Police believes whoever is committing the crime is scouting the parking lot, by paying to park or coming in on foot. On a given night at the fair doing the week, there are up to 50 police officers on duty and 80 security guards.

The culprit or culprits are still out there, and Cal Expo Police say there’s no threat to public safety.