Catalytic Converter Theft

As they say, “Haste makes waste”.

 

First an alarm is useless so skip that. I bought a cat shield right away and I’m mindful of where I park.
That said, no issues thus far and for $185 it was a no brainer and peace of mind!

I don’t like that it’s happening that’s for sure.

 

I have heard of solo operators, but it did seem they had a car parked nearby. So lack of a nearby abandoned car does suggest that they came with an accomplice who bolted.

 

15 people arrested, 1000+ converters recovered, 3 businesses shut down for buying cut converters with no questions asked:

San Jose police recover 1,000 catalytic converters, make 15 arrests

 

Sweet to get on camera

 

???????????????????

 

They saw the shield and went to the next one.

 

I know it's disproportionate to say he got what he deserved.... I will say I appreciate the news broadcasting these stories. I hope the thieves believe the Prii are angry and vengeful, and they should leave them alone.

 

It's the same reason I also have a Club on my wheel. Yes, a dedicated thief could get around it. My hope is they just move on (well, my biggest hope is that they are caught and punished, but I live in Seattle and we don't actually punish thieves.)

 

Why aren't insurance companies offering us a break on comprehensive coverage, if we have a security plate installed? They provide incentives for other security measures.

 

An alarm is useful if done right. Tilt sensor, 2-way remote with distance or if you really geekin out you'll have your phone connected to it and receive notifications as soon as your tilt sensor triggers the alarm instantly.

 

The insurers might not have enough data to justify a discount, actuarially, but it could also be that the effect is the wrong way: the presence of a catalytic converter security plate might well be associated with greater frequency and severity of comprehensive claims.

It’s counterintuitive, but the deterrent and preventive effects of the plates themselves might be more than offset by their value as an indicator of insureds’ own perceptions of higher risk. I imagine owners with secured, private garages, for example, are less likely to buy and install security plates than those who park on the street every night or often leave their cars in long-term parking at airports or stations.

 

Another issue, are the state by state carb regs associated with cats. Not that cat theft is any less of an issue in non carb states, but in carb states the repair costs can be substantially higher than in non carb states.
Like there aren't enough insurance loopholes in the code already. Not that there should't be cat theft code writtten into policies, making all the more work for lawyers and insurance adjusters, etc.

 

I hadn't though of this before, but maybe the new racket is to steal your catalytic converter so that one of these dodgy muffler shops can sell it back to you?

The cat from my 2005 Prius Gen2 was stolen a couple of days ago while the car was parked in my own driveway. It was the OEM original. I live in Illinois where aftermarket catalytic converters are legal. I plan to purchase the Walker aftermarket unit from Rock Auto ($330). My local exhaust/muffler shop recommends it. I've read that thieves won't steal aftermarket units because they are worthless compared to the OEM originals.

 

Just got my PHEV installed with Cat Shield (total cost $320 cash)

 

here's a new one, to my knowlege:
39507186

 

Wow, the nerve of some people. Geez

 

A mechanic ripping a customer?

Um....I'm guessing that's not the first time.

 

no, just stealing the cat. probably not the first time for that either. i just haven't read about it happening before

 

We actually had the first (that I know of) catnappings in my area over the weekend.
Two of our service trucks had the cats yanked out of them. They were both bucket trucks, and so the catnappers didn't have to worry about jacking them up.

Interestingly enough, none of our Priuses have been hit yet, and they are all parked overnight on company lots.