Cat thefts - is it a problem for us?

So most media outlets are reporting a significant increase in thefts of catalytic converters over the last year, and I’ve seen 2 YouTube videos of them taking place in broad daylight (took less than a minute).

Are we at greater risk because of our high ground clearance?

Also heard Toyota is taking steps to address this, but that may be only for Prius. Anyone know?

Is it worth an aftermarket shield? Is this even worth worrying about?

Any thoughts/opinions welcome -

 

comes and goes around here. not to prominent lately. I do know that someone who knows what they're doing can grab one surprisingly fast. haven
t seen the shields....might be worth it

 

I say screw it if they steal it they steal it.

But mine is parked in the garage 90% of the time.

 

what shield did you have in mind..

 

None in particular - just trying to get a feel for the scope of the problem and solutions.

I’ve seen a couple different styles - bolt on panels of various shapes, cage styles, etc.

The other part of the equation is the cost of replacing one if it is stolen. I’ve seen some claims as high as $4,000 but that seems extreme.

 

If there’s more than 1 of them stealing it my ammo costs could become a factor.

 

I seriously read this as cat thieves as in someone who would steal your pets. I'm allergic so I'm not too worried, and have no cats.

Dog thieves, however....

 

Here in the Bay Area it is a problem. My runner stays in the garage all the time. Too easy for them to slip under there and chop it off.

 

My neighbor works for a large plumbing & HVAC company & they have had many stolen in the last few months. They were off larger rigs that couldn't fit inside & were easy to get under. A Sawzall is a 2 minute job for a CC & they are furious as all are new vehicle.
I don't have an answer besides an alarm (with motion sensing or a garage). We cannot fit in our garage so I attempt to "hide" it behind the shadow of my super duty.
Ryan.

 

any shield recs lmk..

 

It sure seems like the bad people are outnumbering the good people in the world these days.

 

https://urdusa.com/urd-off-road-y-pipe-for-2010-2020-4runner-v6/

Can't steal What's not there.

 

Someone is going to have a bad day if they try to steal my cat...

 

Greater Boston here -- word on the street is; Catalytic converters from Prius's are going for $2000 at scrap yards...

 

well...as of late, it's been getting out of control in Memphis..where they are traveling in teams, and 'borrowing' your CC...but the police as of late, have begun to crack down on the places that purchase these purloined items..

 

If they (authorities?) could eliminate the financial gain, that may cut down on thiefs.

For example, maybe I'm just naive, but I always thought that pawn shops would not buy items if they suspected it was stolen property.

If an individual is selling 20-50 cats a week to a scrap yard, that would be a big red flag to me.

Maybe scrap yards should be held accountable too. Of course, who's going to investigate?

How about requiring individuals provide a VIN to scrap yard for each cat that is sold.

But in the real world, money wins over righteousness and accountability.

 

Crazy right... I'm sure there are also "bigger fish" to fry for law enforcement...

 

I have a motion alarm aimed straight across my driveway. $15.00 from Harbor freaght.
Also, the theft deterrent right on my nightstand! Motion detector spot lights as well.

 

Same here...better lift with your legs not your back.

 

Give me five dollars a pound? I will give you all the cat you want.

 

to chime in here, if someone wants your catalytic convertor they will take it. Best advice I've heard was to paint it with hi temp hi-vis bright paint and stamp your name on it. My company purchased these straps from catstrap.net that attach to the exhaust system. It will be interesting to see if they deter anyone from further attempting to steal ours (we have had 2 stolen already). The sonic alarm just seems awesome.

 

Interesting. Hadn’t seen that before.

If I may ask, how much did it cost to replace the stolen ones?

 

They were stolen off of large Ford passenger vans. Cost was $892 per cat, $160 something for associated sensors and gaskets.

 

OK thanks

 

I just saw this post. I cross posted this in another thread.

I have been making some cat shield for a few months now. Started making them with a buddy, then I made one with my truck, and happens my Nieghbor has a 5th gen 4 runner and has been bugging me.

I made this in mind that he off-roads. I also wanted to leave the factory braces intact. It seems most of the companies that make skid plates like to remove these.

Here are a few pictures. For those that are interested.

this of course is not a end all be all… but more of a deterrent. So far they have been enough to send the thieves off to find lower hanging fruit.

 

My thought as well. Then again it really will only slow them down a smidge.

 

It will slow them down quote a bit. 1/4 Aluminum does not cut that well with a metal cutting blade. It gums up and ruins the blade.

I have one report of a thief trying to cut one, apparently he got 2 inches and gave up.

 

Imagine he would just unbolt it.

 

As a former auto claims adjuster, I have much experience with cat thieves. Toyota Tacomas were a common target due to clearance and popularity. I imagine 4Runners would be attractive as well.

Such a theft is covered under your Comprehensive coverage. Make sure you have a $100 deductible or less, and you should be good. The insurance company will pay you out for an OEM replacement, which was around $900 IIRC. Actual cost is around $200 for a decent aftermarket. Take the difference in profit and buy a cool mod.

In my area, the crime rate is 25 according to citydata.com. National average is 270. Most cities are at around 400. I could leave a wad of cash on the front seat and the doors unlocked and it would still be there a few days later.

I've lived in a higher crime area in the past, and I will never, ever subject myself or my loved ones to that insanity again. YMMV.