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DIY cat theft deterrent 2012 Prius V

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by walay, Dec 13, 2021.

  1. walay

    walay Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2013
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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    With the high cat thieving rate, wanting a safer road trip. I did the following, and thought might help give others some ideas and maybe get some feedbacks as well.

    1. Installed alarm/tilt sensor/upgrade horn, used metal sleeve to protect wire.
    2. Put security sticker all around.
    3. Chain-up the exhaust system.

    Since 1&2 are straight forward, I'll share just #3.
    Material I used:
    -1/4" stainless steel stranded rope 26ft
    - stainless steel zip ties 100 pack
    - stainless steel hose clamp 17piece/60ft
    - muffler cement 1 tube

    Photos:

    PXL_20211213_005846465.jpg PXL_20211213_005702164.jpg PXL_20211213_005650580.jpg PXL_20211213_005643436.jpg

    Steps:
    1. Cut wire to 4 pieces, and loop though the bracket that mounts muffler to engine bracket.
    2. Run down along the exhaust and avoid O2 sensor.
    3. Zip tie, hose clamp, muffler cement it.
     
  2. gromittoo

    gromittoo Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2017
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    Location:
    philadelphia
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two

    Seems like a lot of work. It might scare off some thieves, causing them to go look for an easier car. I don't think it will work as well as

    CAT SECURITY product found for $160 on Amazon (Product ID = B08FRQDR9L):


    Or a knock off version for $62 on eBay:
    For 2012-2017 Toyota Prius V New Catalytic Converter Protection Shield 1.8L | eBay

    There is a story I recently read where gang of thieves stole that CAT off a Prius in a busy supermarket parking lot. It was in the middle of the afternoon. The thieves were determined. Once they had the car tilted, they used a gasoline powered saw to cut the CAT free.

    I am not sure what thieves would do if they saw your handiwork after they tilted the car. They might just try to damage the car out of spite.

    The "CAT SECURITY" product is like "The Club" that used to be sold in the 1990s to attach to your steering wheel. They are highly visible, and slow the car thieves down just enough to move onto onto another less protected car, before they break-in or tilt your car.
     
    #2 gromittoo, Dec 18, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2021
  3. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2012
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    Location:
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Curious, price for all of the materials used? Some of the cat shields on ebay are a little over $100.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. gromittoo

    gromittoo Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2017
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    Location:
    philadelphia
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    More importantly, the thieves will see those deterrent products before they jack up your car. Once they have jacked up your car and discover your home brew solution, it is too late... they might just start cutting your car to pieces out of spite.
     
  5. walay

    walay Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2013
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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Got everything from Amazon, It was $25 for the ss cable, $35 for ss hose clamps, $10 ss wire ties, and $20 for the muffler cement.
    Total $90+tax.