Stopping Catalytic Converter Theft

I had my DIY catalytic converter protection setup for me by a very nice member of this forum back in January 2019. (Thanks The Guv’ )

Suffice to say, the cat still hasn’t been nicked over a year later. This doesn’t mean the cheeky blinders haven’t stopped by “The Spaceship” to help themselves. I suspect they’ve paid it a few visits over the past year.

I’d pay to see the disappointment on their faces when the see all those high tension steel cables laced together, and realise it’ll take them about 45 minutes to pull apart.

Of course, the savvy among these scumbags might have noticed it’s a worthless replacement non-OEM cat installation......so they wouldn’t bother......but, hey!

With these thieving pond life, I wasn’t taking any chances. I can confirm I now sleep very easy at night.

Of course, it’s also possible that at night at least, they’re put off by the front and back Thinkware F800 Pro Dash cam system with its ominous warning lights and 24/7 HD footage recording capabilities.
You wouldn’t spot it during the day unless you were really looking for it (angle of windscreen and rear window makes it practically invisible).


iPhone 6s +

 

My security (CAT or otherwise) would be a garage and a 12 gauge with #4 buck!

 

The thieves also frequent shopping malls, theater parking lots, park-and-rides, that sort of place.

 

Dang that's quite brazen! Can't say I have seen anything like that, because if I did I would for sure intervene on behalf of the unaware owner!

 

I’m trying SO HARD to shed some tears on behalf of the Wiley E Coyote who was CRUSHED under a Prius while trying to steal it’s catalytic converter.
Somehow, the tears just aren’t following.....dang! I must be a really horrible and unsympathetic person.

I mean, catalytic converter theft from Prii is certainly a pressing issue. Normally, he should have felt the full weight of the law coming down on him, but....paradoxically, his victim The Prius, had a better idea.
It apparently pinned the member of the local Grand Theft Catalytic Converter Gang down so as to engage in a meaningful dialogue as to the error of his ways.....

Unfortunately, any idea of a mutual dialogue fell, erm....flat.
He probably felt put upon. Trapped.

Cashed in his chips right there. And duly shoved this mortal coil.

Probably died of unintended compression.

I propose he is remembered for an eternity, as a Darwin Award nominee - of course. Shame he croaked like a frog underfoot.

What’s the matter with me………I’m STILL not crying bucket loads!

I’m going to hell, aren’t I....?!!


iPad ? Pro

 

Just ordered this;

CAT DEFENDER™️ 2010-2015 Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter Security/ Protection | eBay

Isn't competition in the FREE market great!

 

I don’t see why exploding dye packs or exploding mace would pose a legal issue.

it’s not like you were killing someone just deterring them by making them sweat cough and turn a non-removable purple skin tone.

ultimately you need a deterrent and a device to monitor and release pepper spray and dye would definitely work since the thieves would now have something else to identify and content with, the sensors required to detect cutting would be what? A few dollars.

too bad we are all ninnies

 

The mesh screen is a great idea. Instead of covering/blocking access to vulnerable points or securing the CAT, install something that will foul a reciprocating saw. The idea being to cause the saw to be yank out of the thief's hands every time the saw blade catches on the mesh wire. The thicker the gauge the better.

 

The best option is to remove your catalytic converters and and sell them yourself before the thrives can. Replace with pipes. Problem solved

 

Or, with lovingly prepped nail studded clubs, just lie in wait (with malice aforethought) till they turn up - then go all MEDIEVAL on their collective posteriors.

Yes, I jest.......I think

(I was a victim too - pardon my unbridled venting, but I’m STILL mad at these low life thieving bleeps! ).


iPhone 6s +

 

Perhaps an extremely LOUD horn that goes off under the car when they lift it and craw under it?
If they don't do the crime, they won't have to suffer the punishment for it.

 

Just make sure it's disarmed when you take it to the shop for your next scheduled maintenance.

 

I do my own work.

 

Just for you, Dogman…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMmC4CpeZAc

 

The blasting rap music is diminishing my life force...

 

Old video, it only slows the criminal down.....
I prefer to STOP them so they can't do it again.
It's an army thing.....

 

I made my own shield.......it should slow down a thief.....

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Are the L-braces clamping the shield too?

Are the bolts going into RivNuts, or? I'd maybe change the fasteners to something with fancier heads, say Torx. Something more likely to thwart removal.

Also, what IS that material, looks interesting.

 

Here's mine using rivet nuts with security Torx screws. The rivets are FAKE to cover existing holes in the plate. They were cut-off and epoxied on. I added a degree of security and filled the recesses in the heads with JB Weld. Now, you'd need a damaged screw head extractor to get them out.

If I had to do it all over again, I's use 1/4 inch stainless steel rivets with washers. Aluminum drills out easy, since is it is soft and allows the drill bit to "bite" easy. Not so much with stainless steel. They spin when drilled. The heads need to be grinded off to remove the plate.