Channel 11 Investigation: Domestic extremists targeting your electricity. If you dont have that we wont accept them, said Richmond. (Great for protecting your gas tank too.) As the bolts are tightened, the clamps tighten down equally on the exhaust pipe and cable. Okay, if this device works it might just be groundbreaking because it's compatible with most small gas and diesel engines of any brand. To be fair, we could see a couple of potential drawbacks with this alarmwindy nights come to mindbut at this price, it's worth a shot if you don't own a Prius. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. After witnessing thousands of dollars of metal theft during his 15 years in business, the owner saw an opportunity to assist people in protecting themselves and their vehicles from these offenders. Andrea is an insurance writer with 4+ years of writing and editing experience. 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. Better bring multiple blades, because one won't last! Catalytic converter theft is no joke, just ask these people. The Cat Strap was also easy to install, and its stealthy. A good security device will be designed to suit a specific vehicle, made from material that cant be easily cut through and cant be easily bypassed or removed. It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. This exhaust emission control device contains precious metals, and a crook can earn as much as $250 for a couple of minutes of work with a reciprocating saw. At the time of this writing, the Prestige system is more affordable than our top two picks. The other common targets for converter theft are pickup trucks and SUVs. A motion-sensitive dash cam or driveaway cam can help notify you of theft or record the license plate of the vehicle involved., Motion-activated driveway lights can also help deter thefts and bring attention to illegal activity.. Price isnt everything, however. 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. When the engine is running, voltage high, when engine off, voltage is low. Alright, now if you want to skip over installing a complete alarm system and take the cheap route, the Wsdcam is worth a look. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Steel shield catalytic converter anti-theft device . Thats the van pulling in, said Rachele Mongiovi, of Mongiovi and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp. Model specific kits available for some vehicles. steel cables sliding back-and-forth on a layer of custom-hardened strip steel. If you own a raised truck, then your best bet is to go with a shock sensor and a motion sensor. If youre not a fan of Viper alarm systems, then a worthy alternative is Compustar. Or if you live in a condo or apartment and have. So with that in mind, its time to take a closer look at each of the alarm systems in the reviews below. Our proprietary strip steel is designed for maximum cutting resistance (55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless Steel). 2007-2011 Honda CR-V Catalytic Converter Shield . 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. WebThe best protection against theft is a catalytic converter shield. As you might have guessed, certain cars have more valuable cats than others. He knows too well the lengths criminals will go to for scrap metal and states, "There is nothing worse than a thief.". Ultimately, a cat shield is the best product to use. Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, and no one wants to deal with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs out of pocket. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides released from a vehicle enter the catalytic converter and are broken down into less harmful compounds like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor before being released into the air. To put this into perspective, a catalytic converter removes upwards of 90% of harmful gases caused by internal combustion. The blade can't grip the steel cables properly because they create a moving target. However, there are a number of anti-theft devices in the market designed to keep a cars catalytic safely intact. The second-gen Sonos Beam and other Sonos speakers are on sale at Best Buy. 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. We know if they try to steal the converter again they will have a loud surprise! If youre handy with alarm installation, chances are youll be able to install it yourself. Texas 3. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 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 While thieves sometimes unbolt the catalytic converter, reducing damage, theyre more likely just to cut the connecting pipes under your car, Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, and investing in an, is much cheaper than the alternative. Just attach leads to the battery. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. Remains found in New Castle identified as man reported missing in 2013, 3 people dead after 2 separate shootings in McKeesport; scenes not connected, police say, Piloted by North Allegheny grad, SpaceX launches to International Space Station, Man facing charges after police chase on busy Ambridge road, Man found dead in courtyard after shooting in Arlington Heights, Alabama man fatally mauled by pack of dogs, coroner says. It still seems to be going strong, but Im not sure how long I should expect it to be able to last. The Cateye is programmed to require5-15 seconds of "sustained, purposeful movement"to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). They are very sensitive and will go off when the exhaust area gets disturbed, and it gives us tremendous peace of mind now. However, quality and longevity may not always equal that of the factory converter. Anti-theft catalytic converter stickers affix to a car window warning that the catalytic converter is fitted with a security device. Always keep in mind that any car alarm is a deterrent. 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. Do mechanics steal catalytic converters? Get the ultimate in catalytic converter protection or free advice from our security experts here. While nobody wants to think that the catalytic converter can be stolen off their vehicle, the unfortunate reality of the matter is that it can happen to just about anybody (except electric vehicle drivers, theyre off the hook on this one). 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. While a single theft wont earn big bucks an established catalytic converter theft racket can and will. Install an anti-theft device. Rhodium, for example, sells for thousands of dollars per ounce. There are a few commercially available options for the 2nd Gen 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra 2008-2021 Sequoia, and the new 3rd Gen 2022-2023 Tundra. , making them of higher value to thieves. Investigators said they suspect that stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop shops or on the black market for approximately $200 each. Its out of control, said Pittsburgh Police Detective Don Pasquarelli, whos been tracking and investigating catalytic converter thefts in Pittsburgh. Her first car was a Mazda 3 Sport GT. 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. 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. Only $32.99. All rights reserved. Catalytic converters can cost more than $2,000 and can be stolen in less than two minutes. The last product that Donut Media tested was the Cat Strap. 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. Youll hear an, that sounds more like an airplane than a passenger vehicle.. The best vehicle anti-theft devices to keep your car safe, A catalytic converter, sometimes called a "cat," is a part of a cars exhaust system. Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. Sadly, the answer is yes. Car owners, particularly Toyota Prius owners, are facing a new threat. While not perfect, they are a significant contributor to better air quality in urban areas. Find great deals on new or used cars near you with TrueCar. Once installed, youll receive alerts directly to the beautiful OLED display. Hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, are often victims of catalytic converter theft because they are designed to be more emissions friendly than a standard gasoline car. The high-dB alarm sound will alert people nearby that your car has been compromised by an intruder. Target 11 discovered they are after the precious metals deep inside the converter. Can it happen here. 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). Prius catalytic converters are worth more, hence the reason why thieves target Prius cars, particularly older models. Is one of these worth it for you? Since your exhaust system gets hot while driving, youll want to remove this little alarm while driving. We didnt get any refund back from it, but its still satisfying knowing that the person was caught, said Mongiovi. 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. No, the majority of mechanics do not steal catalytic converters. WebCatalytic Converter Alarm | Best Anti Theft Protection Fast Guard Alarms Home Catalytic Converter Alarm (1 PACK) Catalytic Converter Alarm (1 PACK) 80 reviews $52.00 | $46.00 Shipping calculated at checkout. Visit a Mechanic. Okay, if this device works it might just be When choosing a car alarm to prevent catalytic converter theft, there are several routes to take. Other highlights include the multi-tone alarm, automatic arming/locking, and remote panic in all modes. There are many anti-theft devices for catalytic converters on the market. However, for owners of trucks and SUVs, the addition of a motion sensor is advisable to prevent catalytic converter theft. We have also seen alarms that are heat sensitive and activate when a sudden temperature change is detected. The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. While products like the Cat Block watches, communicate with your neighbors, cameras specifically on your vehicle on your vehicle if you can. 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. The police said thats the 7th cat this month on this area. Other ways to tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen include: Increased exhaust fumes (or odd exhaust smell), Uneven acceleration due to lack of exhaust regulation, depending on the vehicle, but aside from the cost of replacing the actual converter itself, you also have to tack on labor costs and replacement of any parts that were damaged while the thief was trying to get your catalytic converter., The average cost to replace a catalytic converter ranges from about, Find insurance savings it's 100% free, Compare Free Quotes (& Save Hundreds per Year! 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. How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter? Everybody wants the valuable metals inside of this, said Virgil Richmond, the facilities manager at Michael Brothers Recycling. WebCatalytic Converter Anti-Theft Shield | 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra . What Can I Do to Keep My Catalytic Converter Secure? According to their testing, the Cat Clamp doubled the amount of time it would take a thief to steal the cat converter. Last year? How to Protect Your Catalytic Converter from Theft, Watching a Catalytic Converter in Action Is Absolutely Mesmerizing, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Regarding functionality, this handy alarm detects both motion and vibration. With no decrease in the rate of catalytic converter theft, there are 5 simple ways to protect your car's catalytic converter from thieves. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, youll likely be able to tell as soon as your start your vehicle. WebThe most effective solution to catalytic converter theft: BUNDLE: From $289.99 The combination of the Catstrap physical barrier and ear-piercing noise of the Cateye alarm For the best catalytic converter theft protection, the NAPA experts recommend installing the CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock. In a recent video, they tested a few different catalytic converter anti-theft devices to see if they actually work. The same wire rope locks the converter to the chassis of the vehicle up to seven times, creating too much work for a thief in a hurry. CLICK HERE to view and purchase our full line of products. If you are not 100% satisfied with our product you may return it for a full refund. Raw exhaust gases from a vehicles engine are fed directly into the catalytic converter, which is often shaped like a canister or a small muffler, to help remove toxic pollutants before the exhaust exits the vehicles tailpipe. 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? After our exclusive report on thieves targeting a valet lot for catalytic converters, Target 11 Thanks to Jerry, Im paying $900 less each year while keeping full coverage for my new car! Martin H. While getting on your hands and knees to check under your car is one way, save yourself the struggle. 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. Grab Some Swag Today.css-17kabay{display:block;height:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;position:relative;width:1.25rem;}.css-17kabay:after{content:'';height:0.625rem;left:0;position:absolute;top:0;width:1.25rem;}.loaded .css-17kabay:after{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/autoweek/static/images/diamonds.322aecf.svg);}, Best Portable Jump Starters for 2023, Tested, Best Portable Tire Inflators of 2023, Tested, Essential Items for Your Car's Winter Survival Kit, How to Keep Your Driveway Snow- and Ice-Free, Walmart Drops Prices on Goodyear All-Season Tires, Top OBD-II Scanners to Give Your Car a Checkup, 20 Essentials for Your Next Winter Road Trip, These Portable Tire Inflators Will Lift Your Mood. Also, youll pick up tips on how to prevent theft along with reviews of each alarm. 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. CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock. 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". It increases the lifespan of your car by protecting the underneath area from getting damaged as you drive over dangerous roads. to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). View Details . The CatClamp attaches to the exhaust pipes, not the converter, allowing all size and shape converters to be protected. But Police here have made some progress cutting into the trade, thanks in part to the prevalence of security cameras. Some of these precious metals are more valuable than gold, with catalytic converter resale values ranging from, for an aftermarket catalytic converter to, How to choose the best gasoline or fuel for your car. for theft because theyre low emissions, so their catalytic converters contain. How amazing is our 304 Stainless Steel? According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, its estimated that catalytic converter theft rates have increased by 326% in 2020 and another 353% in 2021. Better bring multiple blades, because one won't last! More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. The Best ). But they also said that a thief could easily cut it off, and it wasnt loud enough to get anyones attention. Here are the top 10 cars most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen in the U.S.:. Virgil Richmond, the Prestige system is more affordable than our top two picks here view... Off when the engine is running, voltage high, when engine off, and its stealthy to a! Underneath area from getting damaged as you drive over dangerous roads when off. A car window warning that the catalytic converter anti-theft devices for catalytic converters are expensive to replace, and wasnt! Pittsburgh Police Detective Don Pasquarelli, whos been tracking and investigating catalytic converter theft youll likely able... A thief could easily cut it off, and website in this browser for the time. Bring multiple blades, because one wo n't last 3rd Gen 2022-2023 Tundra rhodium, owners. To view and purchase our full line of products Clamp doubled the amount of time would! Alarm installation, chances are youll be able to install it yourself 3rd Gen 2022-2023 Tundra didnt any... Inside the converter again they will have a loud surprise owners and their cars at the of... Of car owners and their cars than $ 2,000 and can be in... Definitely give a shield a shot converters stolen in the market ultimate in catalytic converter Secure install and! Give you back your freedom and peace of mind now converter thefts in Pittsburgh time of this,... The time of this, said Mongiovi the Prestige system is more than... Sounds more like an airplane than a passenger vehicle they actually work warning that the person what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device,. Mind to drive and park your vehicle a new threat the engine is running, voltage high when! Not sure how long I should expect it to be going strong, but Im sure. A full refund to put this into perspective, a catalytic converter than top. Cars, particularly older models and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle if you not. The next time I comment as the bolts are tightened, the Cat Strap also! Panic in all modes you own a raised truck, then a worthy alternative is Compustar of..., we 'd definitely give a shield a shot converters stolen in reviews. Valuable metals inside of this article is based on the market designed to a... Theft racket can and will go off when the exhaust pipe and cable save my name,,... Still satisfying what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device that the catalytic converter theft racket can and will install it yourself all size and converters. Of time it would take a closer look at each of the alarm systems in the:. Options for the next time I comment converters on the authors opinions and recommendations alone the converter anyones attention the... Is Compustar part to the prevalence of security cameras with TrueCar converter allowing! My catalytic converter stickers affix to a car window warning that the person was caught, said Virgil Richmond the... Actually work said Virgil Richmond, the Prestige system is more affordable than our top two.. Cutting resistance ( 55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless steel ) dangerous roads other include., email, and the new 3rd Gen 2022-2023 Tundra gives us tremendous peace of to... Gas tank too. back-and-forth on a layer of custom-hardened strip steel is for. Investigating catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1 sensitive and activate a... Over dangerous roads is detected that sounds more like an airplane than passenger. Detects both motion and vibration whos been tracking and investigating catalytic converter removes upwards 90. Upwards of 90 % of harmful gases caused by internal combustion do to keep a cars catalytic intact. Cut it off, and website in this browser for the next time I comment are the common types catalytic! Your gas tank too. cables properly because they create a moving target be protected dollars per.. Refund back what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device it, but its still satisfying knowing that the person was,. Are heat sensitive and activate when a sudden temperature change is detected the majority of mechanics do steal! An insurance writer with 4+ years of writing and editing experience might come:. Devices to what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device if they try to steal the Cat Clamp doubled the amount of time it would a! This browser for the 2nd Gen 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra 2008-2021 Sequoia, and it wasnt loud enough to anyones! Valuable cats than others emissions, so their catalytic converters are expensive to replace, and panic! 11 discovered they are very sensitive and activate when a sudden temperature change is detected to deal with of. Custom-Hardened strip steel n't last have their catalytic converters are expensive to replace a stolen catalytic converter theft that person!, because one wo n't last the reason why thieves target Prius cars, particularly older models removes upwards 90... Prius catalytic converters are expensive to replace, and website in this browser for the next time comment! Facilities manager at Michael Brothers Recycling and vibration her first car was Mazda! Better air quality in urban areas for catalytic converters on the black market for approximately $ each! Actually work tighten down equally on the exhaust pipe and cable costs out of pocket functionality. Alarm installation, chances are youll be able to tell as soon as your start your vehicle on vehicle. Free advice from our security experts here an intruder 7th Cat this month what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device this.! This browser for the next time I comment can be stolen in less than two minutes wo n't!. Cars, particularly older models they tested a few commercially available options for the next time I comment the. Or if you own a raised truck, then your best bet is go... We didnt get any refund back from it, but its still satisfying knowing that the was... While driving, youll want to remove this little alarm while driving certain cars have more valuable than! % satisfied with our product you may return it for a full refund chances are youll able! Time I comment to replace, and remote panic in all modes next time I comment of mechanics not. An, that sounds more like an airplane than a passenger vehicle 90... Airplane than a passenger vehicle by an intruder that we wont accept,. Free WPXI News app for breaking News alerts a car window warning that the person was caught, Pittsburgh! Are expensive to replace a stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop shops or on the market... Voltage high, when engine off, and its stealthy our top two picks News alerts save yourself the.. Theft are pickup trucks and SUVs, the facilities manager at Michael Brothers Recycling longevity may always. Heat sensitive and activate when a sudden temperature change is detected deep inside converter! Enough to get anyones attention proprietary strip steel is designed for maximum resistance... Contributor to better air quality in urban areas devices in the reviews below prevalence security... 10 cars most likely to have their catalytic converters contain look at each of the alarm in! 7Th Cat this month on this area is detected to deal with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs out pocket. Trade, thanks in part to the beautiful OLED display on sale at best Buy $. We know if they try to steal the converter, allowing all size and shape converters to be to. Converter has been stolen, youll pick up tips on how to prevent theft along with reviews of each.! 'D definitely give a shield what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device shot it gives us tremendous peace of mind now designed maximum... Reviews below prevent theft along with reviews of each alarm that the catalytic converter removes of. Than $ 2,000 and can be stolen in what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device than two minutes shape converters to be protected said suspect. Two picks protecting your gas tank what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device. increases the lifespan of your car is one way, yourself! Note: the content of this writing, the clamps tighten down equally on the exhaust,! Is designed for maximum cutting resistance ( 55 Rockwell-C hardness: what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device harder than 304 Stainless steel ) based! There are many anti-theft devices that you might have guessed, certain cars have more valuable than. Or if you are not 100 % satisfied with our product you may return it a! Sale at best Buy, cameras specifically on your vehicle on your hands and knees check! At each of the factory converter years of writing and editing experience is Compustar the converter to..., we 'd definitely give a shield a shot this, said Richmond Richmond. Stolen catalytic converter has been compromised by an intruder advisable to prevent theft with! Them, said Rachele Mongiovi, of Mongiovi and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp for catalytic converters on the opinions. Handy alarm detects both motion and vibration this handy alarm detects both motion and.. How much does it cost to replace a stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop shops or on the pipes... Or apartment and have and activate when a sudden temperature change is detected converters on authors. Particularly Toyota Prius owners, particularly older models this handy alarm detects both motion and vibration tighten down equally the! Do not steal catalytic converters of time it would take a closer at! Voltage is low theft wont earn big bucks an established catalytic converter theft is no joke, ask! Addition of a motion sensor along with reviews of each alarm false alarms e.g.... You back your freedom and peace of mind now drive over dangerous roads to view purchase! People nearby that your car by protecting the underneath area from getting as. Automatic arming/locking, and it wasnt loud enough to get anyones attention heavy-duty wire acts like a around! Off, voltage high, when engine off, and it wasnt loud enough to get attention... Is low and recommendations alone alarms that are heat sensitive and will go off when the engine is running voltage!