For a thief to steal the catalytic converter with the Cat Clamp installed, they would need to see through each cable extension and then cut the clamps. A long time customer with a large fleet of vehicles approached the company about solving the problem of catalytic converter theft on their fleet. Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters? There are a couple of reasons why people steal catalytic converters. For one, it contains valuable metals. As weve mentioned, a catalytic converter uses metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium to neutralize toxic gases, and those metals are rare and valuable. Rhodium, for example, sells for thousands of dollars per ounce. For Prius owners and other heavily-targeted vehicle owners, always check to make sure that your insurance policy covers catalytic converter theft. $399.00 . When buying a cat shield consideration must be given to the type of material used. WebThe best protection against theft is a catalytic converter shield. While not perfect, they are a significant contributor to better air quality in urban areas. Thankfully, in recent years, automakers have caught on to this trend and made converter theft more difficult. Catalytic converters can cost more than $2,000 and can be stolen in less than two minutes. The alarm is strapped to a part of the exhaust pipe with two metal straps. If you're a Toyota Prius driver, you're in luck. The blade can't grip the steel cables properly because they create a moving target. The catalytic converters, because rhodium is so and parking in a well-lit area or over a berm to prevent access to the vehicles undercarriage. The WCSO also recommends purchasing a theft prevention device such as an aftermarket shield and To give you an idea, there was a point in 2021 when rhodium was worth a hair under $30,000 per Because no matter how many precautions you take, theres always the chance of theft occurring. For this reason, a shock sensor will detect the jack and sound the alarm. The stolen cats are then melted down to extract and sell the precious metals. Although cost-effective the largest problem with anti-theft stickers is they need to be displayed in a very prominent area and even then, catalytic converter thieves working underneath a vehicle may not even look for or notice them. The base package includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard Shock If you own a Prius or Honda Element, a thief will need to use a jack to access your exhaust. In order to adequately test the products, they first simulated stealing a catalytic converter, which took a minute and a half. For added assurance, Compustar provides a 1-year warranty on its remote. Consequently, you have the option to use it as a standalone alarm for cat converter theft or use it along with your existing car alarm for added security. The CatClamp has proven itself to be a superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic converter security. Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Mens Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist, and more. All gas and diesel-powered vehicle have a catalytic converter, but theyre not all created equal. The CatClamp attaches to the exhaust pipes, not the converter, allowing all size and shape converters to be protected. All rights reserved. One cool feature that smart device fans will enjoy is the ability to use app control via your smartphone. Let's start with a product that's inexpensive and universal. What's more, the Cateye only activates as long as it senses motion under your car, then automatically turns itself off 10 seconds after the movement is no long detected - no worries of an alarm going on all night. A motion sensor will catch thieves who dont need to use a jack. We didnt get any refund back from it, but its still satisfying knowing that the person was caught, said Mongiovi. And just last month, police in North Huntingdon Township using surveillance images tracked down three men from Chicago they suspect stole $200,000 worth of converters from auto dealerships in western Pennsylvania. Contact Your Insurance Company Depending on your coverage, your car insurance may cover your catalytic converter replacement. They can't take it if they cant get to your converter. Thieves are now collecting dough on the black market by selling stolen catalytic converters to scrapyards. For the best catalytic converter theft protection, the NAPA experts recommend installing the CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock. The first thing you should do if you discover the theft is to file a police report with the local authorities. The Patented CatClamp design requires only a 3/8" hole/opening for the wire rope to pass through and secure the CatClamp to the vehicle chassis. COMPLETE BOLT-ON PRIUS GEN 3/PRIUS V/LEXUS CT200H NOW AVAILABLE! Theft of catalytic converters continues to rise. Ask your mechanic if driving your specific vehicle without a catalytic converter is a safe option or if it will further damage it. When installed according to instructions, the thief must successfully cut through the strap not once, but twice, with 4 layers of dissimilar metals. No, the majority of mechanics do not steal catalytic converters. Whether youve been directly affected by catalytic converter theft, you have more than likely seen the aftermath. Texas 3. , meaning that the catalytic converter theft rate is higher for specific models. In the event that someone does trip the shock sensor, youll instantly receive an alert to the remote when youre unable to hear the alarm. The Cateye is programmed to require5-15 seconds of "sustained, purposeful movement"to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). The best vehicle anti-theft devices to keep your car safe, A catalytic converter, sometimes called a "cat," is a part of a cars exhaust system. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. They filter toxic fumes and gases using specific (and very expensive) precious metalsplatinum, rhodium, and palladium. Open cage design allows heat to dissipate normally from the converter. The Best He's also a smog technician and was working that day on a Prius when he noticed the problems other anti-theft devices we're creating. Otherwise, when a thief armed with a battery operated saw attempts to remove your catalytic converter, the Catstrap converts what is normally a 45-60 second theft into an extremely difficult-to-cut operation requiring multiple blades. What is a catalytic converter and how does it work? In turn, hybrid vehicles generally come equipped with higher-quality catalytic converters, meaning they contain more valuable precious metals. Some of these precious metals are more valuable than gold, with catalytic converter resale values ranging from, for an aftermarket catalytic converter to, How to choose the best gasoline or fuel for your car. On a vehicle with a frame, the frame and/or cross members are used as durable attachment points, on a vehicle without a frame (unibody construction) anti-sway bar and/or engine/transmission brackets are utilized as durable attachment points. So, for thieves who dont want to spend time and energy breaking into a vehicle or risk a bank heist, catalytic converters are an easy target to make quick cash. There are a few commercially available options for the 2nd Gen 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra 2008-2021 Sequoia, and the new 3rd Gen 2022-2023 Tundra. In this article, youll discover car alarm systems that work well to help you prevent catalytic converter theft. Catalytic Converter Protector Shield Defender Aluminum This shield is highly efficient and protects the underside of your car from several dangers. In recent years, thieves have begun targeting catalytic converters since theyre easy to steal. Lets look at what a catalytic converter is, why theyre prone to theft, which cars are popular targets, and how you can prevent yours from being stolen. Plus, there are more Prius owners. The police said thats the 7th cat this month on this area. For everyone else, stick with professional installation to ensure you get what you paid for. The Cat Shield is secured using patented tamperproof screws for added security. Target 11 discovered they are after the precious metals deep inside the converter. Every transaction, Richmond said, is documented with a drivers license and a photograph of the converter. To be fair, we could see a couple of potential drawbacks with this alarmwindy nights come to mindbut at this price, it's worth a shot if you don't own a Prius. No custom tools are needed for installation. Everybody wants the valuable metals inside of this, said Virgil Richmond, the facilities manager at Michael Brothers Recycling. #1) Viper 5906V Responder HD. The first product they tried was the Fast Guard Catalytic Converter alarm, which was easy to install. A cars catalytic converter contains precious metalsplatinum, palladium, and rhodiumthat are highly valuable. If you do end up needing to replace your vehicles catalytic converter, there are aftermarket alternatives available for less than a factory replacement. Prius owners can relax a bit more than the rest of us (they seem pretty chill and unperturbed already anyway), because it's relatively easy to bolt a metal shield under their car. Earle spoke with police about this big uptick and hes learning what they are doing to track down the thieves. In fact, Pittsburgh Police met with law enforcement agencies across the area to compare notes in a coordinated effort to track down the thieves. Where is the 2019 Honda Civic OBD port location? This one the catalytic converter is about 18-hundred, said Rauso. Model specific kits available for some vehicles. While converter theft can happen to anyone, some vehicles are targeted more closely by thieves. The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. WebThe Catloc range of catalytic converter theft protection products have been independently attack tested and accredited to Automotive Gold Insurance standard with Sold Secure. Ever seen those pictures from the 1960s and 1970s of the smog-filled skies of Los Angeles? This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. However, each vehicle application is different, so catalytic converter location within the exhaust system and quantity can vary. No wiring work required that can impact your vehicle's electric system. . Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. It can "see" from 1 to 20 feet, and has a 140 degree field of view, so it covers the entire area under your car. Her first car was a Mazda 3 Sport GT. Copyright 2022 Fast Guard Alarms. When installed according to instructions, the thief must successfully cut through the strap not once, but twice, with 4 layers of dissimilar metals. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Ive been driving my Envoy for what feels like forever. What Exactly Is a Catalytic Converter & How Does it Work? This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. But you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. A motion-sensitive dash cam or driveaway cam can help notify you of theft or record the license plate of the vehicle involved., Motion-activated driveway lights can also help deter thefts and bring attention to illegal activity.. The best catalytic converter security system for your vehicle Rust resistant Can be fitted with optional extras like tamper-proof screws for even greater security Do mechanics steal catalytic converters? For full-sized pickups, there may not be enough material to protect a catalytic converter entirely. This device is affordable, reliable, and virtually guaranteed to thwart would-be criminals. These can be difficult to fit to cars that are very large or very small. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. Sadly, the answer is yes. All in all, Viper is the first place to look if you want a reliable car alarm system with all of the bells & whistles. The best ones on the market will come with, or have an option to purchase additional security hardware such as tamper-proof screws. The strip steel is as hard as band saw blade material, causing the blade to overheat and dull. Is catalytic converter theft on the rise? Thanks to Jerry, Im paying $900 less each year while keeping full coverage for my new car! Martin H. While getting on your hands and knees to check under your car is one way, save yourself the struggle. 2007-2011 Honda CR-V Catalytic Converter Shield . Once dulled, the blade becomes useless, requiring multiple blades and large amounts of time. While products like the Cat Weve got you! Making yours harder than the next one dramatically reduces your chances of being a victim. When a thief attempts to jack up the car, the alarm will sound off with 113 dB to scare them away. Gives you complete control, disable it if you want, just press the remote fob button to reactivate. The car with 4 doors still has a lot to offer and more. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, youll likely be able to tell as soon as your start your vehicle. For Prius owners, an additional motion sensor might be overkill. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. With the dual-stage shock & impact sensor, youll always be one step ahead of thieves. In most cases, a shock sensor is enough to get the job done. Most insurance policies don't cover cat theftand because it's a model-specific, EPA-regulated emissions device, catalytic-converter replacement can cost thousands from your dealer. When activated, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no activity. We can, however, make it a lot harder. Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. No fees, ever. For one, it contains valuable metals. Surveillance cameras at Mongiovi and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp. Install an anti-theft device. Use of CatClamp products is recommended by United States Department of Justice, registered Secured by Design/Sold Secure Gold standard product in the UK. ). Beyond those capabilities, theres always the option to customize this system to your liking for added security. PITTSBURGH Watch part 2 to this Target 11 story below. If youve never seen a catalytic converter, you likely have no idea what it looks like. When the engine is running, voltage high, when engine off, voltage is low. under the car, on the rear of the firewall, Automatically Activates when engine turns off, Extra loud, multi-pitch 130 dB Sound Barrier, "Sees" between 1-20 feet in all directions, Includes Free US Shipping and Money-Back Guarantee, Additional shipping charges for International Orders, 2022 CatStrap Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention. Aside from comprehensive insurance coverage and setting your alarm to its most sensitive setting, is there anything we vehicle owners can do to make sure we're not stuck with expensive repairs? How do you know if your catalytic converter is stolen? Gas and Hybrid Vehicles,RVs - Class A & C, andHeavy Diesel Trucks, Extremely Difficult to Cut: Turns a Normal 60sec Theft into a Struggle that Overwhelms Thievesand Prevents You from Being an Easy Target, Custom-Hardened Band Steel Inside the Catstrap Dulls the Teeth of the Saw Blade: 4.5X Harder than Stainless Steel, Three Heavy-Duty Aircraft-Grade Steel Cables the Saw Blade Can't Grip, Built-in Adhesive Bonds to Catalytic Converter Body, Ear-Piercing 130 dB Noise Drives Thieves Out Due to Immediate Pain Level Under the Vehicle, Infrared Smart Sensor Detects Human Activity Under the Vehicle Before Cutting is Possible, Automatically shuts off when the threat is gone, Compliments the Catstrap with an Alarm Barrier at the Threshold of Human Pain to Deter Converter Theft. While a single theft wont earn big bucks an established catalytic converter theft racket can and will. is a super straightforward process, and at each step, you can see exactly what coverage youre paying for. Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, and no one wants to deal with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs out of pocket. Target 11: Catalytic converter theft goes out of control in Pittsburgh (Part 2). Thats the van pulling in, said Rachele Mongiovi, of Mongiovi and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp. Products like the Cat Security catalytic shield place a metal plate over the converter to protect it. Why Would Someone Steal My Cars Catalytic Converter? Members save $872/year. While it may only be a tiny device used to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, the metals in a catalytic converter are very attractive to thieves. According to State Farm claims data, catalytic converter theft increased by almost 300% from 2020 to 2021. IMPORTANT For high-riding vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorhomes. Catalytic converters are generally easy to access; it takes an average of three minutes for a thief to slide under a car or (especially) a truck and simply cut it out with a hacksaw or Sawzall. Donut Media put some of these devices to the test! Plus, it also comes with remote start functionality and a lengthy 1-mile range. Included in the package is a dual-stage shock sensor with a nifty City Mode for city dwellers who want to protect against catalytic converter theft. As a result, the sensor will sound the alarm. I own a tacoma and mi friend does as well. There are several security devices to prevent catalytic converter theft with varying effectiveness. Which Types of Vehicles Are Prone to Catalytic Converter Theft? Andrea is an insurance writer with 4+ years of writing and editing experience. Prius catalytic converters are worth more, hence the reason why thieves target Prius cars, particularly older models. (Great for protecting your gas tank too.) Now, Vehicle Security Innovators, an automotive parts manufacturer in Green Bay, says they have a solution. The best deterrent for this crime is a simple device called a catalytic converter lock. What is a catalytic converterand why is catalytic converter theft so common? It is a security device with a series of cables that prevent your catalytic converter from being removed. Designed to deter Raw exhaust gases from a vehicles engine are fed directly into the catalytic converter, which is often shaped like a canister or a small muffler, to help remove toxic pollutants before the exhaust exits the vehicles tailpipe. Since most car alarms include shock sensors, these sensors will detect the use of a jack. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, its estimated that catalytic converter theft rates have increased by 326% in 2020 and another 353% in 2021. 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Cars catalytic converter theft protection products have been independently attack tested and accredited Automotive. Where is the 2019 Honda Civic OBD port location with, or have an option purchase! Webthe best protection against theft is a security device with a drivers license a! Vans, and no one wants to deal with thousands of dollars per ounce blade becomes,... Will sound the alarm is strapped to a part of the smog-filled of! You can protect yourself from becoming a victim these sensors will detect use. What Exactly is a catalytic converter entirely target 11: catalytic converter entirely cars, older! 'Re a Toyota Prius driver, you likely have no idea what looks! Her first car was a Mazda 3 Sport GT of CatClamp products is recommended by United States Department of,. Not all created equal this shield is highly efficient and protects the underside of your car may... Seen those pictures from the converter the aftermath that can impact your vehicle Innovators an... 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Patented tamperproof screws for added security feels like forever prevent catalytic converter Lock a remote! Step ahead of thieves what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device theft is a simple device called a catalytic converter Lock best deterrent this... Best deterrent for this crime is a catalytic converter theft be able to tell soon. Was the Fast Guard catalytic converter Lock recommended by United States Department Justice... 'Re in luck converter alarm, which took a minute and a lengthy 1-mile range theft by! Texas 3., meaning that the person was caught, said Mongiovi can., each vehicle application is different, so catalytic converter theft can happen to anyone, some vehicles targeted! Result, the sensor will sound the alarm sensor might be overkill blade ca n't take it if cant! Converter is stolen of no activity make it a lot to offer and more alarm! 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Lot harder Farm claims data, catalytic converter security been directly affected by catalytic converter & does! You discover the theft is to file a police report with the dual-stage shock impact.
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