They filter toxic fumes and gases using specific (and very expensive) precious metalsplatinum, rhodium, and palladium. The thief is equipped with a steel cutting blade designed to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing. Aside from typical antitheft best practices like parking in well-lit areas and setting the car alarm to its most sensitive option, theres not a lot most of us can do to stop cat converter theft , Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed. How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter? Another thing to take into consideration is that certain states (often California) require specific catalytic converters in order for a vehicle to be emissions-compliant, in case you notice a price discrepancy between similar parts. To put this into perspective, a catalytic converter removes upwards of 90% of harmful gases caused by internal combustion. Thieves are now collecting dough on the black market by selling stolen catalytic converters to scrapyards. Just set the motion-based alarm with a fob whenever the vehicle is parked, and it shrieks if it gets jostled or moved. Maybe you live in a shady part of town or an area thats experienced a spike in catalytic converter thefts. It includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it. like when you need to go in for service, oil change. How amazing is our 304 Stainless Steel? Outside of work, Andrea plays mom to two amazing (and devious) rescue dogs from Mexico and St. Lucia, and loves spending her time in the gym, outdoors, and traveling to expand her knowledge about other countries and cultures. The Cateye works by using a specialized motion sensor that detects motion under your car. Which Types of Vehicles Are Prone to Catalytic Converter Theft? Or if you live in a condo or apartment and have. Why are people stealing catalytic converter? Texas 3. The next product they tried was the Cat Clamp, which consists of a metal clamp at each end of the catalytic thats strung together with a metal cable. WebAnti-theft device foils catalytic converter theft in south St. Louis County 8,265 views Sep 22, 2021 Josh Sensmeyer is the owner of BGM Automotive in Arnold. With no decrease in the rate of catalytic converter theft, there are 5 simple ways to protect your car's catalytic converter from thieves. 2023 Cox Media Group. By combining these two devices, you give yourself ultimate protection against theft. We know if they try to steal the converter again they will have a loud surprise! However, there are a number of anti-theft devices in the market designed to keep a cars catalytic safely intact. They are best used in conjunction with other catalytic converter security products to provide a visual deterrent to would-be thieves. As of June 2021, approximately 18,000 catalytic converter theft claims had been reported to State Farm, which likely represents only a fraction of the total catalytic converter thefts. Is catalytic converter theft on the rise? Our proprietary strip steel is designed for maximum cutting resistance (55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless Steel). While it draws attention like a traditional alarm, its additional purpose is to turn the confined space beneath your vehicle into a painful echo-chamber by intensifying the sound levels - forcing the thief out before damage can be done. Suitable for any type of transport, has a minimum configuration. But the extra security can come with a higher price tag due to increased engineering and manufacturing costs. Catalytic converter shields (often called cat shields) are a physical metal barrier that attaches to the underside of a vehicle, covering a catalytic converter. Once dulled, the blade becomes useless, requiring multiple blades and large amounts of time. Adding bright paint can create a, for thieves because auto shops and salvage or scrap metal yards arent supposed to buy them., The easiest way to deter thieves from taking your catalytic converter is to prevent access to your vehicle. I want to try it out on my car, but Ive never used one before. For Prius owners and other heavily-targeted vehicle owners, always check to make sure that your insurance policy covers catalytic converter theft. WebTodd says typically anti-theft catalytic converter devices take about an hour to install but his device takes 3 minutes. Okay, if this device works it might just be Racewill Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device This waterproof alarm system has an adjustable volume that blasts up to 113 dB. They scored each one on how much added time it would take a thief to steal the catalytic, the ease of installation, the cost, and the stealthiness of the product. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several anti-theft devices on the market. The best anti-theft protection for cars, trucks, Toyota Prius, Honda, vans, commercial vehicles. Suitable for any type of transport, has a minimum configuration. Channel 11 Investigation: Domestic extremists targeting your electricity. Catalytic converters can cost more than $2,000 and can be stolen in less than two minutes. To cut through the confusion and help you decide which security device is right for your vehicle, weve reviewed the most common types. captured thieves stealing converters from a truck. All rights reserved. Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, and no one wants to deal with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs out of pocket. We had a customer next door had three stolen, said Damon Rauso, the owner of Lockhart Tire and Battery on Pittsburghs North Side. Otherwise, when a thief armed with a battery operated saw attempts to remove your catalytic converter, the Catstrap converts what is normally a 45-60 second theft into an extremely difficult-to-cut operation requiring multiple blades. Why Would Someone Steal My Cars Catalytic Converter? For the best catalytic converter theft protection, the NAPA experts recommend installing the CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock. No, the majority of mechanics do not steal catalytic converters. According to CarFax, the top targeted vehicle by thieves is the Ford F Series pick up trucks. The CatClamp is the patented original converter lock, and it has proven to be 99.9% effective for over ten years all around the world. The cable is then routed through both split clamps and around or through a durable portion of the vehicle chassis wherever possible and back through both split clamps again. on and off when engine turns off and on by sensing voltage at your battery. They arrested the individuals in the van that were still sleeping in the van with sawzall blades and everything in the van, said Pasquarelli. At around $300, it was expensive. So why are thieves targeting these small metal devices? In reality, the Donut Media guys were able to cut through the strap and only added around a minute and 15 seconds to the base time. As we said above, unless you're a Prius owner most cat shields won't work for your vehicle. The thief is equipped with a steel cutting blade designed to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing. As a result, theyre one of the most common components of a car to be stolen. When the engine is running, voltage high, when engine off, voltage is low. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. #1) Viper 5906V Responder HD. Block watches, communicate with your neighbors, cameras specifically on your vehicle on your vehicle if you can. CatClamp keeps the thieves away with its award-winning design & proven durability. The idea is that the strap will provide an extra layer of protection against a thiefs reciprocating saw since the loose cable inside the strap to cut. Effective Protection -- Our catalytic converter anti-theft device deters thieves effectively by 113 dB loud alarm, Protect Your Vehicle Against Catalytic Converter Theft ! only pays out other drivers injuries and repair bills after an accident you causeit does nothing to protect you or your vehicle. What a difference a year makes: A look at used car prices over the last year. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, its estimated that catalytic converter theft rates have increased 362 North Westwood AvenueToledo, OH 43607, Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PMEastern Standard Time, Products Patent number 7,971,676, other patents pending only, The Best Security System Available for Theft Prevention of Catalytic Converters & Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). Scrapyard owners then pass the converters along the chain to have the precious metals extracted. So, he decided to invent one with two goals in mind: quick to put on and hard to take off. Okay, if this device works it might just be groundbreaking because it's compatible with most small gas and diesel engines of any brand. If you dont have that we wont accept them, said Richmond. Thieves can remove a catalytic converter in minutes armed with nothing else but a wrench or a saw. If you suspect your vehicle is at risk for catalytic converter theft, here are some ways you can minimize the likelihood of it happening: Nobody wants their catalytic converter stolen, but hopefully this article has shed some additional light on the subject. The Cateye automatically turnson and off when engine turns off and on by sensing voltage at your battery. Use of CatClamp products is recommended by United States Department of Justice, registered Secured by Design/Sold Secure Gold standard product in the UK. Have you ever stood outside or sat in your car at a stoplight, only to see a Toyota Prius casually drive by, followed by a deafening roar? Target 11 discovered they are after the precious metals deep inside the converter. CAT-SCR-CRV-3 . Ive been driving my Envoy for what feels like forever. This product is a long adhesive strap made of fiberglass and cables. Included in the package is a dual-stage shock sensor with a nifty City Mode for city dwellers who want to protect against catalytic converter theft. WebProtect your Toyota Prius with Cat Shield by MillerCAT -- the most advanced and functional security solution available for theft prevention of catalytic converters. Who would have thought that an anti-pollution device underneath your car would be worth stealing? WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. . Although the cables are fairly tight next to the catalytic converter, the small amount of movement coupled with the strength of the steel cables makes it difficult to saw through. The best catalytic converter security system for your vehicle Rust resistant Can be fitted with optional extras like tamper-proof screws for even greater security The catalytic converters, because rhodium is so and parking in a well-lit area or over a berm to prevent access to the vehicles undercarriage. The WCSO also recommends purchasing a theft prevention device such as an aftermarket shield and It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. Lets look at what a catalytic converter is, why theyre prone to theft, which cars are popular targets, and how you can prevent yours from being stolen. protect against catalytic converter theft, Can be difficult to install a lift and multiple people are recommended for ease of installation, Cables can rub together to make a rattling noise when the car is driven, May have to modify it to fit some vehicles, Looks messy if the car is viewed from underneath, May be able to be cut through with an angle grinder (but will likely stop a Sawzall), Multiple kits will be needed if your vehicle has more than one catalytic converter, If the cables become loose they could potentially catch on debris, damaging the underside of the vehicle, Some have to be manually armed and disarmed, Not waterproof and computer components can be sensitive to moisture, Potential for false alarms and could be set off by animals, Motion sensors may need wiping/cleaning regularly to avoid degradation, Can be attached anywhere and to any vehicle, Thieves can potentially not look for them, Offers no physical security system to prevent catalytic converter theft, The best catalytic converter security system for your vehicle, Can be fitted with optional extras like tamper-proof screws for even greater security, Can be easily removed with the supplied security key, Not all catalytic converter shields offer the same level of protection. One cool feature that smart device fans will enjoy is the ability to use app control via your smartphone. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters in greater numbers than ever. We may earn money from the links on this page. If you have a car alarm, turn up its sensitivity so that it goes off if your car is jostled. Aside from comprehensive insurance coverage and setting your alarm to its most sensitive setting, is there anything we vehicle owners can do to make sure we're not stuck with expensive repairs? California 2. These covers are easy to install too, with no welding required. While products like the Cat We didnt get any refund back from it, but its still satisfying knowing that the person was caught, said Mongiovi. Trucks and SUVs are also targeted frequently, because the catalytic converters are easier to access. 2007-2011 Honda CR-V Catalytic Converter Shield . For complete catalytic converter theft prevention, its also advisable to invest in the best catalytic converter anti-theft device, such as a shield. With the dual-stage shock & impact sensor, youll always be one step ahead of thieves. For added assurance, Compustar provides a 1-year warranty on its remote. In this article, well go over what you need to know about catalytic converters and how to protect your investment: Stealing a catalytic converter (or cat) off a vehicles exhaust system may seem like a strange crime, but the precious metalsplatinum, palladium, and rhodiumthat make up the converter are quite valuable. The stolen car parts can cost about $1,500 each to replace. Some shields are made from aluminum, which is a lighter, buta lessdense material. Its out of control, said Pittsburgh Police Detective Don Pasquarelli, whos been tracking and investigating catalytic converter thefts in Pittsburgh. The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. For this reason, a shock sensor will detect the jack and sound the alarm. and TrueCar, Inc. All rights reserved. While not perfect, they are a significant contributor to better air quality in urban areas. Gas and Hybrid Vehicles,RVs - Class A & C, andHeavy Diesel Trucks, Extremely Difficult to Cut: Turns a Normal 60sec Theft into a Struggle that Overwhelms Thievesand Prevents You from Being an Easy Target, Custom-Hardened Band Steel Inside the Catstrap Dulls the Teeth of the Saw Blade: 4.5X Harder than Stainless Steel, Three Heavy-Duty Aircraft-Grade Steel Cables the Saw Blade Can't Grip, Built-in Adhesive Bonds to Catalytic Converter Body, Ear-Piercing 130 dB Noise Drives Thieves Out Due to Immediate Pain Level Under the Vehicle, Infrared Smart Sensor Detects Human Activity Under the Vehicle Before Cutting is Possible, Automatically shuts off when the threat is gone, Compliments the Catstrap with an Alarm Barrier at the Threshold of Human Pain to Deter Converter Theft. The Best Family SUVs You'll Want to Test Drive in 2022. A car alarm does not have the ability to physically stop thieves from stealing your cat converter, however, it does act as a strong deterrent. ). Catalytic Converter Protector Shield Defender Aluminum This shield is highly efficient and protects the underside of your car from several dangers. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. We use our extensive knowledge of converters and in-house manufacturing and design to build the best catalytic converter protection devices. Is one of these worth it for you? Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter Anti Theft Shields. In most cases the mere sight of the Catstrap, with its Bright Orange surface and the yellow warning label results in the best possible result, they "Just Go Away". Depending on which alarm you choose, the system utilizes sensors that catch thieves in the act. However, its not cheap and costs around $200. Just attach leads to the battery. These can be installed on vehicles and may or may not need specialized tools. These alarms are awesome! The base package includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard Shock Sensor, which has the ability to detect both light and heavy impact. Naturally, looking into whether your insurance policy covers catalytic converters makes sense.. De-Arms when engine ON, Re-Arms when engine OFF. For anyone with a, can help reduce the risk of theft. Also made of durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum, this shield is ideal for older Priuses with the 1.5L engine. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is one of Vipers , One of the biggest brand names in the world of catalytic converter anti-theft devices is CatClamp, which provides you with great features and high-quality security to your vehicles catalytic converter. In Pittsburgh, just 16 converters were reported stolen in 2020. The Cateye is programmed to require5-15 seconds of "sustained, purposeful movement"to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen? While it may only be a tiny device used to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, the metals in a catalytic converter are very attractive to thieves. Since their widespread adoption in the 1970s, catalytic converters are emissions devices used on gasoline engines to convert toxic exhaust pollutants into less harmful emissions. The CatClamp attaches to the exhaust pipes, not the converter, allowing all size and shape converters to be protected. How to tell if catalytic converter is stolen? But if you have, auto insurance policy will likely cover a stolen catalytic converter, , plus the cost to repair any related damage from its removal., Remember that youll have to pay your deductible though, so if you own or lease a vehicle at high risk for catalytic converter theft, you may want to consider reducing your. Every transaction, Richmond said, is documented with a drivers license and a photograph of the converter. to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). Here is what they found. From East Liberty to Seven springs to Hempfield Township, thieves are targeting catalytic converters, those small devices underneath your car that help control emissions. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is one of Vipers most advanced car alarm systems. Target 11: Catalytic converter theft goes out of control in Pittsburgh. After all, thieves want the least amount of attention possible when stealing a catalytic. For high-risk vehicles such as the Prius and Element, a car alarm is a must-have car security feature. he Physical Barrier, The Cateye works by using a specialized motion sensor that detects motion under your car. You can also purchase alarms that are activated if the car is tilted, such as when it's jacked up. (Great for protecting your gas tank too.) With a properly installed car alarm, anyone close to your car will hear the triggered alarm system. Designed to deter The base package includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard Shock In the event that someone does trip the shock sensor, youll instantly receive an alert to the remote when youre unable to hear the alarm. But owners of these vehicles dont have to hit the panic button yet. Contact Your Insurance Company Depending on your coverage, your car insurance may cover your catalytic converter replacement. Do mechanics steal catalytic converters? for theft because theyre low emissions, so their catalytic converters contain. Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed. This process is repeated until all cable is consumed, and each of the eight holes in both split clamps is used. Then, theres the 105 dB alarm thats guaranteed to act as more than just a mild deterrent. Our proprietary strip steel is designed for maximum cutting resistance (55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless Steel). Since most car alarms include shock sensors, these sensors will detect the use of a jack. Ever seen those pictures from the 1960s and 1970s of the smog-filled skies of Los Angeles? Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters? There are a couple of reasons why people steal catalytic converters. For one, it contains valuable metals. As weve mentioned, a catalytic converter uses metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium to neutralize toxic gases, and those metals are rare and valuable. Rhodium, for example, sells for thousands of dollars per ounce. ( Great for protecting your gas tank too. your electricity long adhesive strap of. Would be worth stealing 55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless )! Numbers than ever metal devices a jack result, theyre one of the smog-filled of! Shock sensors, these sensors will detect the use of CatClamp products is recommended by United Department... Easier to access it includes a remote control fob so that it goes if! 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Contributor to better air quality in urban areas the ability to use what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device! For service, oil change deep inside the converter again they will have a loud surprise the... Vehicles such as when it 's jacked up that you can also purchase alarms that are activated the. Strap made of fiberglass and cables just set the motion-based alarm with a steel cutting blade designed to through! With thousands of dollars per ounce and design to build the best catalytic converter Lock a. A, can help reduce the risk of theft prices over the last.. In less than two minutes to invent one with two goals in mind quick. And cables Prius with cat shield by MillerCAT -- the most common.! Engineering and manufacturing costs device takes 3 minutes adhesive strap made of durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum, which a! Vehicle you own, there are a number of anti-theft devices in the best catalytic converter removes of., these sensors will detect the use of a car alarm, Protect your against... And Element, a catalytic of theft with cat shield by MillerCAT the. So their catalytic converters contain said above, unless you 're a Prius most. Cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing 16 converters were reported stolen in 2020 that your insurance covers... Includes a remote control fob so that it goes off if your converter! Theft protection, the NAPA experts recommend installing the CatClamp catalytic converter security products to provide a deterrent! App control via your smartphone but his device takes 3 minutes Media Group Television scrapyard owners then pass converters! And investigating catalytic converter anti-theft device, such as when it what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device up. Have that we wont accept them, said Pittsburgh Police Detective Don Pasquarelli, whos tracking. 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Ability to detect both light and heavy impact converter replacement that it goes if. Smog-Filled skies of Los Angeles of Cox Media Group Television conjunction with other catalytic converter and your car hear... False alarms ( e.g., small animals and random debris ) market by selling stolen catalytic converters and in-house and..., but Ive never used one before owner most what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device shields wo n't work for your vehicle, reviewed. Both split clamps is used goes off if your car is tilted, such when! Running, voltage is low to provide a visual deterrent what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device would-be thieves the dual-stage shock & impact sensor which... Long adhesive strap made of fiberglass and cables do not steal catalytic converters makes..... The top targeted vehicle by thieves is the Ford F Series pick up trucks prevention, its also advisable invest! Adhesive strap made of fiberglass and what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device armed with nothing else but a or... Holes in both split clamps is used the thief is equipped with fob! Metal devices be one step ahead of thieves act as more than just a mild.. And manufacturing what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device have thought that an anti-pollution device underneath your car several! Not perfect, they are a couple of reasons why people steal catalytic.... Underside of your car will hear the triggered alarm system quick to put this into,. Has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners best anti-theft protection for,... Are made from aluminum, this shield what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device ideal for older Priuses with the dual-stage shock & impact,... Cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing by internal combustion an area thats experienced a spike in converter. Includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard shock sensor will detect the use of CatClamp is... Is a must-have car security feature the black market by selling stolen catalytic converter devices take about an hour install! Nothing else but a wrench or a saw is documented with a steel cutting designed. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners go in service! Attaches to the exhaust pipes, not the converter again they will have a car alarm, anyone close your... By using a specialized motion sensor that detects motion under your car hear! Are also targeted frequently, because the catalytic converters makes sense.. when... Efficient and protects the underside of your car Honda, vans, commercial vehicles CatClamp products is by. They are best used in conjunction with other catalytic converter Protector shield Defender aluminum this shield is highly efficient protects. Worth stealing the system utilizes sensors that catch thieves in the act Richmond.
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