The cheapest non-DIY way to prevent Catalytic Converter theft?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by mudworm, Jun 5, 2020.

  1. mudworm

    mudworm Member

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    I have a 2018 Prius II. Recently, there are many reports of the catalytic converter thefts around my neighborhood on Nextdoor that got my concerned. My car has be parked on the street.

    Can I ask the people here what is the cheapest non-DIY way to prevent such a theft? I'm looking for details such as, what material I should get, where can I find it, and where can I take the car and material to for the "right" (what's that?) installation?

    I'm in SF Bay Area if that matters. Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    Off-topic I guess, but: good comprehensive insurance (with low deductible) would be my approach. Especially in California. And with a near-new car. Aren't they targetting second-gen more, there's more precious metals in them?

    Maybe verify the insurance first, then continue to armor-up?
     
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  3. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Best way to prevent theft (apart from building a massive grinder / sawzall proof cage around it) is to seriously deep engrave your name & driver's license into it .... because salvage yards are onto thieves, & thieves know deep engraving will spoil their sale. If they try to grind out ownership, that's notification to the reseller that it was stolen.
    .
     
    #3 hill, Jun 5, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2020
  4. mudworm

    mudworm Member

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    I did check and got some peace of mind. I'll have $100 deductible and my premium would not increase should there be a claim. However, I also read that people would have a new CC installed only to be stolen again right away because the thieves know they'd get a replacement. If I could just prevent it, I prefer that.
     
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    #5 Mendel Leisk, Jun 5, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2020
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  6. mudworm

    mudworm Member

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    I've seen that mentioned else where. Will check on quote of engraving, but I have a hard time to picture a thief aborting the act after having gone through all the trouble of getting under the car. Wouldn't they have a standard operation to strip the CC themselves just to get the metal they are trying to get? That said, if the quote is low, I might do it.
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    And in California, due to regulations, it'll be another OEM CAT. :cry:
     
  8. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    When I hear 'etching', it makes me think of the stencils-n-acid activities when you ask to have your VIN tidily added to your glass windows.

    What I saw in the link above suggested more of a six-year-old with a Dremel and an engraving bit. Of which I already have all but the six-year-old.
     
  9. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    @Raytheeagle bought an aftermarket theft shield for his Prime. They like make one for the Gen 4 too if the Prime one does not fit.
     
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  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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  11. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    You've got 2 converters.

    There was a discussion on this recently. However, Gen 4 is less likely to be stolen than earlier models due to the design, with one of the converters tucked well away. I'd just make sure your insurance will cover it in the unlikely case that it's stolen.
     
  12. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Still alive if not kicking very high these days. I'll ask my wife for you.... She knows everything.
     
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  13. mudworm

    mudworm Member

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    Thank you! That's music to my ears.

    I called my local installer of the Cat Shield (Miller Cat). It'll roughly $265 all together parts and labor. I haven't decided if I should do it preemptively, or wait for the first incident and pay $100 deductible before getting it installed. Hmmm... decisions...
     
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  14. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    With your Mudworm picture..............don't you think "Cat" shield is the answer? LoL
     
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  15. mudworm

    mudworm Member

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    Well, if you put it that way, guess I am all set! The thieves had better be prepared for some karate kicks.
    [​IMG]
     
  16. Prius 3 Lover

    Prius 3 Lover New Member

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  17. Prius 3 Lover

    Prius 3 Lover New Member

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    I too, have a 2018 Prius III. I am also considering the Cat Shield. May I ask if you had one installed on your 2018? I just want to be able to sleep at night and not worry about getting hit. It's a daily occurrence in my area! Thx
     
  18. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Have Gen 4 PRIUS ever been targeted? My understanding is that it was ONLY old PRii - and that you almost have to remove the engine to get one out, and the other is much harder than Gen 2&3.

    I'd be interested to hear if there ever has been a Gen 4 - and how they did it?
     
  19. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Have the converter and most of the exhaust painted with a bright orange very high temperature paint like this.



    view from front.JPG Place "catalytic converter engraved" stickers in the window, even if you don't engrave it. catalytic converter engraved sticker.JPG
     
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  20. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Trouble is - you'd have to take the engine out to get to Paint the Gen 4 front converter.