Protecting catalytic converter from theft?

[linuxgod]

Definitely not a non event, at least not in Seattle. In Seattle and its suburbs, it's rampant and widespread. I've known a few colleagues and neighbors have who had c.c. stolen: In the driveway (caught on Ring video), mall parking lot, business parking lots, on the street, affluent cities, poor cities, etc. Just last night a neighbor on Nextdoor had their c.c stolen in their driveway, and the thief left a car jack as a souvenir.

It's enough of an issue politicians are passing laws trying to address the issue. One local business here was offering VIN etching services on the c.c.

I'm worried enough about it that I make a point to back into every parking space whenever possible.

If the cats are being stolen for scrap I have to wonder how much VIN etching would really help. It's only a deterrent if shops are knowingly buying and re-selling (re-installing) stolen cats (though if they're re-installing the stolen cat back into the same vehicle it was stolen from, then the VIN will match).

 

[RobW0]

If the cats are being stolen for scrap I have to wonder how much VIN etching would really help. It's only a deterrent if shops are knowingly buying and re-selling (re-installing) stolen cats (though if they're re-installing the stolen cat back into the same vehicle it was stolen from, then the VIN will match).

This has become a problem in Champaign, IL and the local paper did an article about it. The local scrap yards will not take used cats unless it is well documented as to where it was from. They said that most of these gangs that are stealing them are shipping them to less reputable scrap yards out of the area. It said that the muffler shops are backed-up with work because of this.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

My MIL had the cats stolen off her newish Sequoia a couple weeks ago. $7000 repair estimate and the parts are on backorder with no ETA. Truck will likely be out of commission for months.

Cat theft is a vile, vile thing.

 

[GordJ]

If I had to worry about this I think that I would find something like cinder blocks and park over them. The right height and weight or the ability to connect them together would be important.

 

[bloc]

I'm worried enough about it that I make a point to back into every parking space whenever possible.

How does this help the situation? Or are you referring to a different vehicle?

 

[777Gage]

My wife was in the gym when hers were stolen off our old Sequoia. It was parked at a 3 way busy intersection, they just rolled up in front of it and left within 38 seconds. I bought a plate for it after they were replaced.

It's getting pretty bad around our area, all models of cars are being hit and the thieves don't even act like they're going to get caught. There's a Ring video from 2 nights ago of a neighborhood 2 miles away from me. Two cars roll up to a house, stop in the street with their headlights still on and we counted 7 people get out and are milling about while 2 guys get the cat off a Honda Accord in the driveway - incredibly BRAZEN, like they don't have a care in the world.

It seems to me that consequences don't seem to matter much anymore.

 

[TheComedian]

A catalyst contains small amounts of platinum, palladium and rhodium. Palladium is worth about 58€/g gram and rhodium even more than 600€ per gram. Depending on the manufacturer, the catalytic converters then have a value somewhere around 250€. For certain models such as BMW due to the composition of the metals it is more than 1000€ per catalyst which is why they are often stolen.
The problem we have in some corners of Germany also currently that targeted cats are stolen from BMW.
These parts are not stolen to be reinstalled somewhere.

In addition, certain models are particularly sought after depending on the type of catalytic converter. Especially older models until the mid 00s are particularly often separated from their cat.

Ps.:
The same applies here as with padlocks. They are all cracked or stolen when someone tries. You have to increase the effort or the time. A cat can be stolen silently in a minute with a pipe cutter. An additional cover would therefore possibly be sufficient protection.

 

[RET2]

How does this help the situation? Or are you referring to a different vehicle?

You're not the only one wondering how this would help. Oh I get it now it's an EV?

 

[RobW0]

You're not the only one wondering how this would help. Oh I get it now it's an EV?

i guess it could make it easier to get it loaded on the flat bed to tow it away.

 

[2021 LC200]

something like this with several bolted clamps and the metal tie wraps looks promising

Catstrap.Net Installation Guide

Step by Step Guide for easy installation including vidios

www.catstrap.net

 

[RET2]

something like this with several bolted clamps and the metal tie wraps looks promising

Catstrap.Net Installation Guide

Step by Step Guide for easy installation including vidios

www.catstrap.net

It would be gone in 10 seconds, really doesn't stop a power saw or grinder with a cutting disc. Not trying to be a downer just a realist.

 

[grinchy]

Various of the skid solutions have been suggested. I believe that Dissent's plate is rail to rail in this area and likely the best of the options (though it is aluminum so it may cut easier).
Last I checked they were 'sold out'

LC200 Skid Plates

Our three-piece skid set for the LC200/LX570 offer maximum protection without the weight by being completely made from 1/4" 5052 Aluminum. Our skids are gusseted and reinforced to withstand serious trail duty. If you already own a Dissent front bumper make sure to note it in the check out...

dissentoffroad.com

 

[2021 LC200]

It would be gone in 10 seconds, really doesn't stop a power saw or grinder with a cutting disc. Not trying to be a downer just a realist.

Well, apparently this cat strap is difficult for a grinder or saw to get grip on and cut. Together with several exhaust clamps (thread ends facing up be best) this would make it quite a bit more difficult and that is probably enough.

Only other solution I see suggested is skid plates. They can be removed as well loosening a couple of bolts.

Both would be best, just do not need skid plates yet and they would be high dollar just to prevent cat theft.

 

[RET2]

Well, apparently this is difficult for a grinder or saw to get grip on and cut. Together with several exhaust clamps (thread ends facing up or tag welded) this would make it quite a bit more difficult and that is probably enough.

Only other solution I see suggested is skid plates. They can be removed as well loosening a couple of bolts.

Both would be best, just do not need skid plates yet.

I would ask them if they guarantee their product with cat replacement?

 

[2021 LC200]

I would ask them if they guarantee their product with cat replacement?

Interested to hear what you think is the best approach for those of us who have to park at times or often in public places.

 

[RET2]

Interested to hear what you think is the best approach for those of us who have to park at times or often in public places.

Honestly short of chaining a pit bull to your vehicle I don't have a good one. I guess drive a beater or call an Uber for those types of places. I know I won't go to a movie in mine, that's how cautious I am.

 

[bloc]

Well, apparently this cat strap is difficult for a grinder or saw to get grip on and cut. Together with several exhaust clamps (thread ends facing up be best) this would make it quite a bit more difficult and that is probably enough.

It would stop a serrated saw blade, but a cutting disk on an angle grinder would go through that like butter. The issue would be whether the grinder can fit between the exhaust pipe and body of the car to cut the top of the pipe.. but nothing in that product would stop an abrasive disk.

 

[BIC JET]

Don’t underestimate the power of a crackhead

This makes me smile, I had a building that crackheads broke into, stripped the wire out of it, burned the insulation off the wire in a barrel in the offices, and caught the building on fire.....crackheads are totally brill!

 

[UnFadeable21]

In chicago we are having a car jacking problem even in the suburbs. I love my 200 and want protection for it. I bought a dashcam. My friends think I should get some fire power.

Like A Game To Them': Suburban Woman Attacked During Violent Carjacking At Gas Station
published 5 hours ago

Get drone mobile.

It’s an app for your car. Low jack, start engine, gps everything

 

[ntsaint]

this whole thread gives me the sads. Searching for methods to deter criminals from being criminals. I can think of a few tried and true methods that are highly effective, but they aren’t skid plates and straps.