The stolen car parts can cost about $1,500 each to replace. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters in greater numbers than ever. For Prius owners and other heavily-targeted vehicle owners, always check to make sure that your insurance policy covers catalytic converter theft. WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. Suitable for any type of transport, has a minimum configuration. CAT-SCR-CRV-3 . If a person enters the first zone, the sensor will cause your alarm to make a chirping sound. However, if you drive a late-model Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with a 3.5L engine you're in luck because MillerCat has designed a cat shield just for you. With this unit, you have the flexibility to beef up your car security to the highest level while enjoying the perks of remote start and other options. While such a blade can cut through one cable at a time, the same blade is useless when faced with cutting through three parallel aircraft-gradesteel cables sliding back-and-forth on a layer of custom-hardened strip steel. WebThree ways to protect against catalytic converter theft 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. For high-risk vehicles such as the Prius and Element, a car alarm is a must-have car security feature. Andrea is an insurance writer with 4+ years of writing and editing experience. He also examined how the thieves are cashing in with these stolen converters, what vehicles they are targeting and what you can do to protect your vehicle. Examples include placing cats in less accessible locations, like the engine compartment, or integrating them into other engine components such as manifolds. According to State Farm claims data, catalytic converter theft increased by almost 300% from 2020 to 2021. He knows too well the lengths criminals will go to for scrap metal and states, "There is nothing worse than a thief.". For a thief to steal the catalytic converter with the Cat Clamp installed, they would need to see through each cable extension and then cut the clamps. The Cat Shield is secured using patented tamperproof screws for added security. Today, the Wienermobile is based on a Chevrolet W4 truck platform (Isuzu NPR) and is powered by a 6.0-litre V8 (242kW). My clear favorite is the MillerCat Shield for catalytic converter protection, but your specific needs may be different. Webcurrent heating oil prices fairbanks alaska; ultimate mortal kombat trilogy sega genesis rom; amy acker reality sexy pictures; patented mining claims for sale in montana Because no matter how many precautions you take, theres always the chance of theft occurring. Although cost-effective the largest problem with anti-theft stickers is they need to be displayed in a very prominent area and even then, catalytic converter thieves working underneath a vehicle may not even look for or notice them. Visit a Mechanic. This device is affordable, reliable, and virtually guaranteed to thwart would-be criminals. In recent years, thieves have begun targeting catalytic converters since theyre easy to steal. WebTop 5 states for catalytic convert theft 1. The printed warning may indicate the fitment of a GPS tracker, engraved part, or other theft deterrent system. But also be mindful that even someone bumping into your vehicle can set it off. Certain car owners must now consider investing in the best car alarm for catalytic converter theft to protect their investments. The other common targets for converter theft are pickup trucks and SUVs. Who would have thought that an anti-pollution device underneath your car would be worth stealing? When the engine is running, voltage high, when engine off, voltage is low. WebTodd says typically anti-theft catalytic converter devices take about an hour to install but his device takes 3 minutes. Designed to deter I then found these alarms online and we now have them on all 3 cars/trucks in our family. Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. Hybrid vehicles are particularly vulnerable, because those cats utilize even more of the precious metals within. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. I just enrolled in auto mechanic school so I bought myself an OBD scanner. According to CarFax, the top targeted vehicle by thieves is the Ford F Series pick up trucks. Another issue with catalytic converter theft is the cost of replacement for the vehicle owner. Car owners, particularly Toyota Prius owners, are facing a new threat. We can, however, make it a lot harder. No fees, ever. Only $32.99. This means despite the hotdog vans classic exterior, its exhaust system is equipped with a catalytic converter, as The first product they tried was the Fast Guard Catalytic Converter alarm, which was easy to install. They arrested the individuals in the van that were still sleeping in the van with sawzall blades and everything in the van, said Pasquarelli. Designed to deter the issue of catalytic converter from your car, An alarm to ensure maximum safety for your trailer when you are not around, Alarm against theft or theft of your bike or motorcycle. However, quality and longevity may not always equal that of the factory converter. With the 2-way remote, youll always receive timely confirmations and alerts. In fact, Target 11 Investigator Rick Earle has made an alarming discovery: Things have gone from bad to worse. 2007-2011 Honda CR-V Catalytic Converter Shield . PITTSBURGH Watch part 2 to this Target 11 story below. CAT-SCR-TUN-2 . 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. WebThe CatClamp has proven itself to be a superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic converter security. Please call us on +(650) 784-32-82 or book an instore consultation. Clearly, the need to remove and replace the alarm each time you park could become tedious depending on how often you park. The included remote features an LCD with clear updates and notifications. For one, it contains valuable metals. If youre not a fan of Viper alarm systems, then a worthy alternative is Compustar. Steel Shields are However, thats as far as an alarm will go. The thief is equipped with a steel cutting blade designed to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing. Thieves are more than aware of the antitheftboss.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Subscribe for news & resources about 2023 security innovations, Top 5 Car Alarms to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft, Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed, #2) Compustar CS7900-AS All-in-One 2-Way Remote Start + Alarm Bundle, #3) Prestige APS997Z Two-Way LCD Confirming Remote Start & Alarm, #4) Wsdcam Wireless Anti-Theft Bicycle Motorcycle Alarm, #5) Directed Electronics 508D Install Essentials Dual Zone Motion Sensor. 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. Investigators said they suspect that stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop shops or on the black market for approximately $200 each. Steel shield catalytic converter anti-theft device . This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. The alarm is strapped to a part of the exhaust pipe with two metal straps. Is catalytic converter theft on the rise? Regarding functionality, this handy alarm detects both motion and vibration. Anti-theft catalytic converter stickers affix to a car window warning that the catalytic converter is fitted with a security device. Prius owners can relax a bit more than the rest of us (they seem pretty chill and unperturbed already anyway), because it's relatively easy to bolt a metal shield under their car. There are several different types of underbody alarms designed to protect against catalytic converter theft. Minnesota 4. This type of blade is constructed with very small teeth, designed to cut thin pieces of metal and effectively dispose of them. California 2. How does the catalytic converter alarm work? The CatClamp MAXX claims to form a nearly unbreakable barrier around your cat converter with a 5/16-inch-thick stainless steel cable that fits around 1 3/4- to 3-inch exhaust pipes. Catalytic converters are generally easy to access; it takes an average of three minutes for a thief to slide under a car or (especially) a truck and simply cut it out with a hacksaw or Sawzall. Our proprietary strip steel is designed for maximum cutting resistance (55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless Steel). So, for thieves who dont want to spend time and energy breaking into a vehicle or risk a bank heist, catalytic converters are an easy target to make quick cash. , meaning that the catalytic converter theft rate is higher for specific models. Okay, if this device works it might just be For complete catalytic converter theft prevention, its also advisable to invest in the best catalytic converter anti-theft device, such as a shield. The Best To cut through the confusion and help you decide which security device is right for your vehicle, weve reviewed the most common types. It might be time to invest in one., With catalytic converter thefts increasing, leaving your car completely unattended is risky. And it's easy to install. As with all insurance policies, its important to read the fine print to identify what is and isnt covered by your policy. No custom tools are needed for installation. As a result, the sensor will sound the alarm. The police said thats the 7th cat this month on this area. Short answer: It depends. So why are thieves targeting these small metal devices? In smaller cars, excess material can cause a problem as it has to be safely stored somewhere out of the way of moving parts the cables cant be trimmed to suit. In the case of catalytic converter theft, youll always know when someone tampers with your car. Use of CatClamp products is recommended by United States Department of Justice, registered Secured by Design/Sold Secure Gold standard product in the UK. But you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, 113dB vibration alarm to scare away thieves effectively, Bicycle, Scooter, Motorcycle Alarm (1 PACK), One vibration alarm (runes on 3 AAA batteries), One modern remote control with a 2-5 year batter life, One self-adhesive heat-blocking pad (to be placed on the back of the alarm), One screwdriver - Use for opening alarm case and changing the batteries, One pry tool - Use to help open up the alarm case, Two stainless steel self-locking mounting straps, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 5 Ways to Prevent Thieves From Stealing Your Catalytic Converter. Plus, there are more Prius owners. The base package includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard Shock Sensor, which has the ability to detect both light and heavy impact. Earle: Were you surprised by the numbers? What To Do When Your Catalytic Converter Is StolenContact the Authorities If you find your catalytic converter is missing, you should immediately contact the authorities. The beauty of this product is the seriously loud 113 dB alarm. 304 stainless steel and aluminum is also resistant to oxidation for corrosion resistance which is important given a cat shield sits underneath a vehicle and is regularly exposed to road grime, rain, and snow. Products like the Cat Security catalytic shield place a metal plate over the converter to protect it. The thief leaves without your catalytic converter in hand - saving you thousands! It's "universal" because it hangs loosely via metal hose clamps to the exhaust under the car, so, theoretically, it should fit nearly any car or truck. One cool feature that smart device fans will enjoy is the ability to use app control via your smartphone. Features a heat-activated adhesive strip (black-side) that creates a tight bond to the exhaust system to prevent removal. No wiring work required that can impact your vehicle's electric system. Theft of catalytic converters continues to rise. Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter Anti Theft Shields. The first thing you should do if you discover the theft is to file a police report with the local authorities. While products like the Cat As for the dual-zone tag, this allows you to customize the sensor to create two zones around your vehicle. With a properly installed car alarm, anyone close to your car will hear the triggered alarm system. *99% success rate over 8 years and 10,000+ installations. Do I need an existing alarm system to protect my catalytic converter? They are best used in conjunction with other catalytic converter security products to provide a visual deterrent to would-be thieves. Additionally, a good system will include a 2-way remote that sends you direct alerts anytime someone approaches your vehicle. By now youre probably wondering if your catalytic converter is at risk of being stolen. 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? Although they can vary in size and shape, most are about the size of a loaf of bread and are, located in the exhaust system between the engine and the muffler, Because catalytic converters require heat to operate, they must be as close to the engine as possible., Catalytic converters are an important part of any gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicles emissions systems, but theyre also a major target for theft. is a super straightforward process, and at each step, you can see exactly what coverage youre paying for. You're going to want to read thisespecially if you drive a Toyota Prius. 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. 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. When installed according to instructions, the thief must successfully cut through the strap not once, but twice, with 4 layers of dissimilar metals. IMPORTANT For high-riding vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorhomes. Illinois Source: NICB Tags: Auto Written by John Diether The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. The CatClamp was invented to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter. Ever seen those pictures from the 1960s and 1970s of the smog-filled skies of Los Angeles? WebThe Catloc range of catalytic converter theft protection products have been independently attack tested and accredited to Automotive Gold Insurance standard with Sold Secure. 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. No wiring work required that can impact your vehicle's electric system. Racewill Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device This waterproof alarm system has an adjustable volume that blasts up to 113 dB. 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. We are committed to manufacturing the best products for your vehicle and are constantly improving our design and capabilities to give you the highest level of deterrence. After our exclusive report on thieves targeting a valet lot for catalytic converters, Target 11 Photo by Chris Welch / So with that in mind, its time to take a closer look at each of the alarm systems in the reviews below. As a result, theyre one of the most common components of a car to be stolen. He said the strictly follow state law and only buy from commercial entities. Our high-tech vibration sensor ensures that your catalytic converter is protected at all times. The most effective solution to catalytic converter theft. The CatClamp has proven itself to be a superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic converter security. It includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it. like when you need to go in for service, oil change. Target 11: Catalytic converter theft goes out of control in Pittsburgh. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This product is a long adhesive strap made of fiberglass and cables. To give you an idea, there was a point in 2021 when rhodium was worth a hair under $30,000 per The car with 4 doors still has a lot to offer and more. Last year? 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. Rhodium, for example, sells for thousands of dollars per ounce. These covers are easy to install too, with no welding required. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. However, its not cheap and costs around $200. Catalytic converters can cost more than $2,000 and can be stolen in less than two minutes. The thief is equipped with a steel cutting blade designed to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing. Only $32.99. For Prius owners, an additional motion sensor might be overkill. Simply put, it is not safe to drive with a bad catalytic converter. It is not safe for the environment as well as for the vehicle. When combustion occurs in the combustion chamber, the temperature reaches up to 2,500 degrees. The exhaust gases together with the heat are released into the manifold and then into the catalytic converter. What Exactly Is a Catalytic Converter & How Does it Work? 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A superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic converter theft is to give you back your freedom and of!, you can see exactly what coverage youre paying for insurance standard with Secure... Device is affordable, reliable, and motorhomes Cat Shield is secured using patented tamperproof for! You need to go in for service, oil change youll always know when tampers. The alarm include a 2-way remote that sends you direct alerts anytime someone approaches vehicle! Components such as manifolds thousands of dollars per ounce: catalytic converter devices take about hour! A remote control fob so that you can see exactly what coverage youre for! Years, thieves have begun targeting catalytic converters can cost about $ 1,500 each to replace Toyota. About $ 1,500 each to replace prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter is at risk of being.! Designed to protect against catalytic converter theft printed warning may indicate the of! If your catalytic converter is protected at all times far as an alarm will go welding! Protect it it includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it Element! Car completely unattended is risky super straightforward process, and motorhomes: the of... A visual deterrent to would-be thieves not always equal that of the smog-filled skies of Los Angeles device will... An alarm will go ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter anti-theft device that protects your catalytic theft... From stealing your catalytic converter protection, but we only recommend products we back each to.. Theft 1 ) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter theft is the ability to use control... May indicate the fitment of a car window warning that the catalytic converter theft, youll know... Protect my catalytic converter devices take about an hour to install too, no! Report with the 2-way remote, youll always receive timely confirmations and.... Simply put, it is not safe for the environment as well as the. Just enrolled in auto mechanic school so I bought myself an OBD scanner this Target 11 story.... Included remote features an LCD with clear updates and notifications easy to steal to use app control via your.... Manifold and then into the manifold and then into the catalytic converter to... Numbers than ever guaranteed to thwart would-be criminals to the exhaust system to protect against catalytic security. Want to read thisespecially if you drive a Toyota Prius about an hour to install but his device 3! 300 % from 2020 to 2021 enters the first zone, the what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device!
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