Why installing a catalytic converter anti-theft shield is worth it

Cant they just drill out the bolts holding the shield on?

 

Sure, if they bring along their entire toolbox.

That doesn't seem to be the pattern, so far.

 

I'm installing a 507M Tilt sensor in addition to the Millercat Cat Shield I already had installed. Sure, a determined thief can still steal the cat, but while he does it he will have to listen to the siren blaring in his ears. Hopefully he'll just move on.

There is obviously a lucrative market for stolen cats. If that were to be shut down, it would help. Police in Lexington County, SC, caught a guy with a truck full of 83 stolen cats worth $50,000. The irony is that the guy stole the cats from a recycler. And the recycler -- where did he get so many cats? Likely stolen.

How do car dealers keep their cats from being stolen?

 

They store them in secured storage room and grab one when a customer’s need a replacement installed.

 

Hahah, you should also spray-paint some really rude messages on your Shield too. Psychological warfare!

The car dealers are also getting robbed. This NYT article talks about a towing / repair service getting hit, and also "A used car lot across the street had eight converters stolen last week, he said. "

Thieves Nationwide Are Swiping Catalytic Converters - The New York Times

 

I'm thinking of the rows and rows of cars on their lots. How do they protect those cars?

 

So look what I just found on YT! "Palm Auto Sales" posted a video of a thief sneaking around their lot. Looks like he's going to town!

 

Anyone driven with one of these for 100K+ miles? Curious if it might affect the longevity of the cat (maybe make it get too hot without as much airflow?)

 

They might have used a ‘recycled’ cat or the method you use to determine your mileage might have changed. New tires. Recent oil change with bulk 20w50. New problem with the motor (she’s not as young as she used to be…)
Could be a few things…..

Back when I drove Priuses I used tank (10g) averages for a more ‘real-world’ number.

Good Luck!

 

I would imagine they would have to put the car on a jack to even still it right or am I wrong

 

Yeah they typically do; nobody could fit under there without raising it.

 

And some have had their scissor jack collapse on them and kill them.

 

Pretty cut-throat business, when your "associates" don't stick around.