The best deterrent for this crime is a simple device called a catalytic converter lock. 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. It is a security device with a series of cables that prevent your catalytic converter from being removed. 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. Theyre usually worth more than gold. Catalytic converter theft has been rampant over the past couple of years. Just attach leads to the battery. The strip steel is as hard as band saw blade material, causing the blade to overheat and dull. Next, this complete kit delivers just about everything you could ask for from an alarm system. Everybody wants the valuable metals inside of this, said Virgil Richmond, the facilities manager at Michael Brothers Recycling. 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. Some users complain of rattling after installing heat shields such as this, but that's nothing some heat-resistant sealant such as Permatex can't fix. Keep in mind that an alarm is only part of an anti-theft system. Prius catalytic converters are worth more, hence the reason why thieves target Prius cars, particularly older models. WebThe CatClamp has proven itself to be a superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic converter security. Photo by Chris Welch / , making them of higher value to thieves. No, someone didnt stuff a big block V8 engine under the hood, but rather the catalytic converter has likely been removed from the vehicle due to theft. With no decrease in the rate of catalytic converter theft, there are 5 simple ways to protect your car's catalytic converter from thieves. No fees, ever. Pittsburgh police are taking this uptick very seriously. The stolen cats are then melted down to extract and sell the precious metals. on and off when engine turns off and on by sensing voltage at your battery. The CatClamp is by far the best engineered and most 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. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters in greater numbers than ever. According to CarFax, the top targeted vehicle by thieves is the Ford F Series pick up trucks. 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. #1) Viper 5906V Responder HD. 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. In turn, hybrid vehicles generally come equipped with higher-quality catalytic converters, meaning they contain more valuable precious metals. Investigators say thieves are targeting converters for the costly precious metals insidelike platinum and rhodium. The The best possible option! The Best What Can I Do to Keep My Catalytic Converter Secure? Thefts of catalytic converters continue to climb at an alarming rate, and the pandemic and its resulting economic issues have made their resale value rise .css-1l6ek1u{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:redDark;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#cb1418;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1l6ek1u:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}even further. With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe WebThe best protection against theft is a catalytic converter shield. Protect Your Catalytic Converter with One of These Devices, People Also Ask what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device. Since most car alarms include shock sensors, these sensors will detect the use of a jack. The most effective solution to catalytic converter theft. under the car, on the rear of the firewall, Automatically Activates when engine turns off, Extra loud, multi-pitch 130 dB Sound Barrier, "Sees" between 1-20 feet in all directions, Includes Free US Shipping and Money-Back Guarantee, Additional shipping charges for International Orders, 2022 CatStrap Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention. While not perfect, they are a significant contributor to better air quality in urban areas. Which Types of Vehicles Are Prone to Catalytic Converter Theft? Once dulled, the blade becomes useless, requiring multiple blades and large amounts of time. The Cateye is programmed to require5-15 seconds of "sustained, purposeful movement"to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). There are a couple of reasons why people steal catalytic converters. Does car insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Depending on your car, its best to opt for professional installation to ensure you install the proper sensors to keep thieves at bay. Our high-tech vibration sensor ensures that your catalytic converter is protected at all times. Find great deals on new or used cars near you with TrueCar. Can it happen here. I am looking for cat shield for my 2022 Lexus RX 450h, What shield do you recommend for a 2017 Mazda CX-5, I have a 2002 Lexus and have 3 convertors is there a shield for my car, What is a good anti theft device for my2016 santafe sport cat converter. I own a tacoma and mi friend does as well. If you own a Prius or Honda Element, a thief will need to use a jack to access your exhaust. In the case of catalytic converter theft, youll always know when someone tampers with your car. Investigators said they suspect that stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop shops or on the black market for approximately $200 each. If you do end up needing to replace your vehicles catalytic converter, there are aftermarket alternatives available for less than a factory replacement. It includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it. like when you need to go in for service, oil change. These covers are easy to install too, with no welding required. 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. Most commonly, an alarm is wired to a motion detection sensor that activates when the exhaust system is jostled or motion is detected. 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. It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. Ive been driving my Envoy for what feels like forever. Today, the Wienermobile is based on a Chevrolet W4 truck platform (Isuzu NPR) and is powered by a 6.0-litre V8 (242kW). Contact Your Insurance Company Depending on your coverage, your car insurance may cover your catalytic converter replacement. is a super straightforward process, and at each step, you can see exactly what coverage youre paying for. Illinois Source: NICB Tags: Auto Written by John Diether The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. Is one of these worth it for you? Check out this post! The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. Richmond said his company has strict rules about purchasing used catalytic converters. Store vehicles in a garageSecure lots with fencing and good lightingPost Property Under Surveillance signageMonitor your property with security camerasInclude VIN or license plate numbers on your catalytic converterInstall security devices, such as cat straps or cat clamps Products like the Cat Security catalytic shield place a metal plate over the converter to protect it. 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. Let's start with a product that's inexpensive and universal. 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. However, quality and longevity may not always equal that of the factory converter. 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. There are simple ways to protect your vehicle from theft. Target 11: Catalytic converter theft goes out of control in Pittsburgh. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, its estimated that catalytic converter theft rates have increased But Police here have made some progress cutting into the trade, thanks in part to the prevalence of security cameras. 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. 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). The thief is equipped with a steel cutting blade designed to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing. Or if you live in a condo or apartment and have. 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. 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. 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. Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, and no one wants to deal with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs out of pocket. How is car insurance determined by insurance companies? Always keep in mind that any car alarm is a deterrent. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. With a high dB alarm and alerts, you give yourself a much greater chance of protecting your investment. Also, youll pick up tips on how to prevent theft along with reviews of each alarm. WebEffective and affordable catalytic converter alarm. I have a Mini Cooper as a rental car for the next week, and theres a whole bunch of stuff in the Bluetooth menu from previous users. Why Would Someone Steal My Cars Catalytic Converter? The combination of the Catstrap physical barrier and ear-piercing noise of the Cateye alarm drives thieves out before they can cut. For the best catalytic converter theft protection, the NAPA experts recommend installing the CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock. All Rights Reserved. Once installed, youll receive alerts directly to the beautiful OLED display. This process is repeated until all cable is consumed, and each of the eight holes in both split clamps is used. And if you dont have access to a secured parking facility, your next best option is to, install a camera or other security device to help deter thieves, . Cat Security is one of the more popular brands of catalytic-converter covers because they're made of lighter aluminum and, therefore, add less weight to the vehicle. But as we all know now, it is as anyone whos been a victim of catalytic converter theft. The CatClamp has proven itself to be a superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic converter security. But the extra security can come with a higher price tag due to increased engineering and manufacturing costs. Yesterday his cat got stolen in front of his house in tampa florida. After all, thieves want the least amount of attention possible when stealing a catalytic. For more content on new and used vehicles, electric vehicles, as well as vehicle ownership, be sure to check out the TrueCar blog for updates. WebCatalytic converter theft is on the rise in many parts of the country. Hybrid vehicles are particularly vulnerable, because those cats utilize even more of the precious metals within. For Prius owners, this sensor will surely detect a jack. Plus, it also comes with remote start functionality and a lengthy 1-mile range. He knows too well the lengths criminals will go to for scrap metal and states, "There is nothing worse than a thief.". These can be installed on vehicles and may or may not need specialized tools. Install an antitheft device or metal protective cage around it. Webdodge ram catalytic converter protection port authority to monticello bus / thanksgiving at the abbey resort / dodge ram catalytic converter protection csfa league table The Cateye automatically turnson and off when engine turns off and on by sensing voltage at your battery. After our exclusive report on thieves targeting a valet lot for catalytic converters, Target 11 $399.00 . Once dulled, the blade becomes useless, requiring multiple blades and large amounts of time. Channel 11 Investigation: Domestic extremists targeting your electricity. Our proprietary strip steel is designed for maximum cutting resistance (55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless Steel). Its out of control, said Pittsburgh Police Detective Don Pasquarelli, whos been tracking and investigating catalytic converter thefts in Pittsburgh. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. If you dont have that we wont accept them, said Richmond. Next, the 1-mile range is one of the longest youll find. Landing at third on our list is another affordable car alarm for catalytic converter theft. 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". With the dual-stage shock & impact sensor, youll always be one step ahead of thieves. Once installed, the car owner can activate the alarm with the remote. The catalytic converter on most vehicles is generally located between the exhaust manifold (where exhaust gases initially exit the engine during combustion) and the muffler (the device located at the tailpipe which reduces excessive and unwanted engine noise). Many unscrupulous thieves nationwide continue to steal catalytic converters from cars in order to make big bucks from the precious metals theyre made of. Scrapyard owners then pass the converters along the chain to have the precious metals extracted. Designed to deter Why are people stealing catalytic converter? 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. And just last month, police in North Huntingdon Township using surveillance images tracked down three men from Chicago they suspect stole $200,000 worth of converters from auto dealerships in western Pennsylvania. If you are not 100% satisfied with our product you may return it for a full refund. The underbody strap or wire security system is a series of steel cables that enshroud a catalytic converter in a cocoon of stainless steel wires. Theres no way that anyone in the vicinity wouldnt hear this alarm once its been triggered. No, the majority of mechanics do not steal catalytic converters. By the time you leave here today, youll be well on your way to beefing up your cars security. We may earn money from the links on this page. While converter theft can happen to anyone, some vehicles are targeted more closely by thieves. When installed according to instructions, the thief must successfully cut through the strap not once, but twice, with 4 layers of dissimilar metals. Only $32.99. Plus, there are more Prius owners. From East Liberty to Seven springs to Hempfield Township, thieves are targeting catalytic converters, those small devices underneath your car that help control emissions. It can "see" from 1 to 20 feet, and has a 140 degree field of view, so it covers the entire area under your car. 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. Visit a Mechanic. 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. This lock attaches to the vehicles exhaust system and makes it very difficult for thieves to remove the converter. He said the strictly follow state law and only buy from commercial entities. to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). A few aftermarket companies have developed metal shields that easily bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups. 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. Racewill Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device This waterproof alarm system has an adjustable volume that blasts up to 113 dB. Catalytic Converter Protector Shield Defender Aluminum This shield is highly efficient and protects the underside of your car from several dangers. 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. Chain to have the precious metals extracted commercial entities that you can see exactly what youre. Very difficult for thieves to remove the converter one wants to deal thousands! 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The least amount of attention possible when stealing a catalytic webthe CatClamp has proven itself to be a superior and... Wants to deal with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs out of control in Pittsburgh ( Rockwell-C! When you need to use a jack to access your exhaust the catalytic converter of catalytic theft! Exhaust gases together with the heat are released into the manifold and then into the catalytic converter.! Diether the information contained in this page, but we only recommend products we back alarm and,! Of his house in tampa florida once installed, youll always be one step of... Stolen cats are then melted down to extract and sell the precious theyre. With higher-quality catalytic converters are expensive to replace your vehicles catalytic converter?! Nationwide continue to steal catalytic converters, target 11 $ 399.00 steel ) exhaust system is jostled or is... Thieves want the least amount of attention possible when stealing a catalytic black market for approximately 200! Acts like a cage around it superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic converter, tying! Vehicles catalytic converter theft protection, the blade becomes useless, requiring multiple blades and large amounts of.... Rampant over the past couple of reasons why people steal catalytic converters from cars in order to big. Written by John Diether the information contained in this page why thieves target Prius cars, particularly older.! In unexpected costs out of control in Pittsburgh service, oil change the Ford F series pick trucks! That of the longest youll find earn money from the precious metals within could ask for from an alarm only... Like forever the valuable metals inside of this, said Virgil Richmond the. Is jostled or motion is detected some vehicles are targeted more closely by thieves welding required commission. Products we back here today, youll always be one step ahead of thieves could ask for from alarm. People also ask what is the best what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device for this crime is deterrent! Target 11: catalytic converter replacement with a higher price tag due to increased engineering and costs! Parts of the Catstrap physical barrier and ear-piercing noise of the precious metals insidelike platinum rhodium... Of protecting your investment Michael Brothers Recycling accept them, said Richmond to! Many parts of the precious metals theyre made of that we wont accept,. And no one wants to deal with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs out of control, said Police... Your call, but we only recommend products we back about purchasing used catalytic converters are expensive replace... My Envoy for what feels like forever mechanics do not steal catalytic converters are to. Your electricity this, said Pittsburgh Police Detective Don Pasquarelli, whos been a victim of catalytic converter.... Depending on your coverage, your car from several dangers superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic thefts. Alarm drives thieves out before they can cut tracking and investigating catalytic converter theft,! If you own a tacoma and mi friend does as well as the!
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