The new wave of automatic flushing public toilets may offer the next level of convenience for potty connoisseurs, but it's also quite popular with intrepid thieves.

Police in Columbus, Ohio said auto-flushers at area restaurants and businesses are being nabbed because they are built with a valuable metal called red brass, which can fetch up to $2.50 per pound, WBNS-TV reported.

Investigators told the TV station that they were unsure if the thefts are all related, but that missing commodes have been reported in multiple suburbs.

There's no word on whether or not the potty bandits are washing their hands after conducting their restroom business.