By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A pair of brothers are behind bars, charged with stealing dozens of older Honda Accords off the streets of Philadelphia. The thieves knew what they wanted: 1996 or ’97 Honda Accords.

That’s because, police say, they were easy to steal, and because their catalytic converters had $300 worth of platinum inside.

“There were mostly older-model vehicles. The newer ones, there’s no platinum in the catalytic converter,” said Police Major Crimes Captain Len Ditchkofsky.

Recovered Hondas (credit: Mike DeNardo)

Ditchkofsky says 83 stolen Hondas have been recovered since the investigation began in August.

“Most of them were parked on the street, in a parking lot. A lot of them already had Christmas presents in the back of them from some shopping centers.”

Police are currently working to return those stolen presents.

36-year-old Alexander and 30-year-old Eduardo Ramos are behind bars, each charged with 71 counts of auto theft.