Many unscrupulous thieves nationwide continue to steal catalytic converters from cars in order to make big bucks from the precious metals theyre made of. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several anti-theft devices on the market. Thats the van pulling in, said Rachele Mongiovi, of Mongiovi and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp. Why are people stealing catalytic converter? The stolen cats are then melted down to extract and sell the precious metals. But they also said that a thief could easily cut it off, and it wasnt loud enough to get anyones attention. The first thing you should do if you discover the theft is to file a police report with the local authorities. The Cateye automatically turnson and off when engine turns off and on by sensing voltage at your battery. Depending on the target, they dont even need a jack to raise the 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 CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock. The most effective catalytic converter security systems are usually custom-made to fit a particular model of vehicle and are much more difficult for thieves to bypass. See results from a representative cutting test: The CatStrap is encased in a high-temperature strap that runs down the length of your vehicle's exhaust and converter. car insurance policies doit depends on what kind of coverage you have. Rauso showed Earle how the converter was cut off of one car and he said its a costly repair. From East Liberty to Seven springs to Hempfield Township, thieves are targeting catalytic converters, those small devices underneath your car that help control emissions. 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). There are several security devices to prevent catalytic converter theft with varying effectiveness. How amazing is our 304 Stainless Steel? But the extra security can come with a higher price tag due to increased engineering and manufacturing costs. Anti-theft catalytic converter stickers affix to a car window warning that the catalytic converter is fitted with a security device. Because no matter how many precautions you take, theres always the chance of theft occurring. If you dont have that we wont accept them, said Richmond. The included remote features an LCD with clear updates and notifications. If you own a raised truck, then your best bet is to go with a shock sensor and a motion sensor. It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. 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. But it could take a thief to double the time to steal your cars catalytic converter, which is a good thing. Can it happen here. The CatClamp is by far the best engineered and most Will a car alarm stop catalytic converter theft? Below, we answer common questions related to using a car alarm to prevent catalytic converter theft and other important topics. Or if you live in a condo or apartment and have. While not specifically designed to prevent catalytic converter theft, it can work as a strong deterrent. Owners of highly targeted vehicles like the Toyota Prius and Toyota Tacoma may opt for better-than-average protection as thieves learn how to bypass cheaper devices. Most insurance policies don't cover cat theftand because it's a model-specific, EPA-regulated emissions device, catalytic-converter replacement can cost thousands from your dealer. So, how can you protect your catalytic converter? The final option is a universal motion sensor that can be added to a new or existing car alarm system. 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. This type of blade is constructed with very small teeth, designed to cut thin pieces of metal and effectively dispose of them. With the dual-stage shock & impact sensor, youll always be one step ahead of thieves. If you own a Prius or Honda Element, a thief will need to use a jack to access your exhaust. 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 Texas 3. The thief leaves without your catalytic converter in hand - saving you thousands! Trucks and SUVs are also targeted frequently, because the catalytic converters are easier to access. Filing a report will help police track such crimes and might assist with any arrests that might be made. PITTSBURGH Watch part 2 to this Target 11 story below. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. When the engine is running, voltage high, when engine off, voltage is low. This type of blade is constructed with very small teeth, designed to cut thin pieces of metal and effectively dispose of them. However, thats as far as an alarm will go. There are a couple of reasons why people steal catalytic converters. When installed together with a Viper system, youll also be able to receive alerts to your remote when the motion sensor detects motion. 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. By the time you leave here today, youll be well on your way to beefing up your cars security. All Rights Reserved. In the event that someone does trip the shock sensor, youll instantly receive an alert to the remote when youre unable to hear the alarm. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen? But owners of these vehicles dont have to hit the panic button yet. The car with 4 doors still has a lot to offer and more. Racewill Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device This waterproof alarm system has an adjustable volume that blasts up to 113 dB. For complete catalytic converter theft prevention, its also advisable to invest in the best catalytic converter anti-theft device, such as a shield. Do mechanics steal catalytic converters? The best anti-theft protection for cars, trucks, Toyota Prius, Honda, vans, commercial vehicles. 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. Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. But also be mindful that even someone bumping into your vehicle can set it off. The CatClamp is by far the best engineered and most versatile converter lock on the market offering multiple layers of security and features that the competition simply cannot offer. One cool feature that smart device fans will enjoy is the ability to use app control via your smartphone. 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. Thieves hope to make a big payday by melting down the precious metals found in the anti-pollution devices namely, platinum, 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. Catalytic converters help to keep air pollution from reaching such extreme levels. Donut Media put some of these devices to the test! 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. For high-risk vehicles such as the Prius and Element, a car alarm is a must-have car security feature. 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. With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and secure from theft. When activated, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no activity. Hybrid vehicles are particularly vulnerable, because those cats utilize even more of the precious metals within. Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed. Pittsburgh police are taking this uptick very seriously. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is one of Vipers most advanced car alarm systems. This product is a long adhesive strap made of fiberglass and cables. 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. No wiring work required that can impact your vehicle's electric system. Where is the 2019 Honda Civic OBD port location? It's a crime of convenience. Also, youll pick up tips on how to prevent theft along with reviews of each alarm. WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. Is one of these worth it for you? Primarily, an alarm is a great deterrent since the high-dB alarm sound will tell thieves to scram. Theft of catalytic converters continues to rise. Maybe you live in a shady part of town or an area thats experienced a spike in catalytic converter thefts. Catalytic converter theft is no joke, just ask these people. It verifies the threat and only then does it activate the alarm. The Honda Accord and the Jeep Patriot round out the top three. Certain car owners must now consider investing in the best car alarm for catalytic converter theft to protect their investments. 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. Last year? The beauty of this product is the seriously loud 113 dB alarm. CAT-SCR-TUN-2 . This required a number of 5 minute attack tests being carried out, using a variety of theft tools and methods. So why are thieves targeting these small metal devices? All in all, when shopping for the best car alarm for catalytic converter theft, stick with one of the systems mentioned in this article or with the manufacturers. Her first car was a Mazda 3 Sport GT. 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. With a properly installed car alarm, anyone close to your car will hear the triggered alarm system. These suspects terrorized our neighborhoods and our businesses for months, said Westmoreland County District Attorney, Nicole Ziccarelli. 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. When the engine is running, voltage high, when engine off, voltage is low. Earle: Were you surprised by the numbers? It increases the lifespan of your car by protecting the underneath area from getting damaged as you drive over dangerous roads. The best catalytic converter security system for your vehicle Rust resistant Can be fitted with optional extras like tamper-proof screws for even greater security Aside from typical anti-theft best practices like parking in well-lit areas and setting the car alarm to its most sensitive option, there's not a lot most of us can do to stop cat converter theft. When installed according to instructions, the thief must successfully cut through the strap not once, but twice, with 4 layers of dissimilar metals. Steel Shields are The Cateye works by using a specialized motion sensor that detects motion under your car. The other common targets for converter theft are pickup trucks and SUVs. Another issue with catalytic converter theft is the cost of replacement for the vehicle owner. 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. As a result, theyre one of the most common components of a car to be stolen. (Great for protecting your gas tank too.) How do you know if your catalytic converter is stolen? With so many targets and low-hanging fruit available, the last thing a criminal wants to do is spend hours with specialized tools making a racket trying to remove a shield. and TrueCar, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is *99% success rate over 8 years and 10,000+ installations. According to their scoring model, the Fast Guard alarm was easy to install and only cost $30, which is good. 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. Always keep in mind that any car alarm is a deterrent. The thief is equipped with a steel cutting blade designed to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing. Whether youve been directly affected by catalytic converter theft, you have more than likely seen the aftermath. 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. We can, however, make it a lot harder. Target 11 discovered they are after the precious metals deep inside the converter. 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. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are commonly used within catalytic converters. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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 best possible option! WebThe best protection against theft is a catalytic converter shield. The best course of action would be to put your vehicle in a garage, said Detective Pasquarelli. While it draws attention like a traditional alarm, its additional purpose is to turn the confined space beneath your vehicle into a painful echo-chamber by intensifying the sound levels - forcing the thief out before damage can be done. In recent years, thieves have begun targeting catalytic converters since theyre easy to steal. We know if they try to steal the converter again they will have a loud surprise! There are many anti-theft devices for catalytic converters on the market. Police put out an alert for that van with Kentucky plates, and the men were busted in State college. Plus, there are more Prius owners. Since the catalytic converter is located beneath your car, the sensor can be programmed to sound the full alarm when someone is beneath your car. It depends on whether you want to invest in a complete car alarm system or simply use a motion-activated alarm such as the Wsdcam. , making them of higher value to thieves. Target 11: Catalytic converter theft goes out of control in Pittsburgh. To put this into perspective, a catalytic converter removes upwards of 90% of harmful gases caused by internal combustion. Insurance claims for a stolen catalytic converter in 2020 ranged from $500 to $3,000, Products like the Cat Security catalytic shield place a metal plate over the converter to protect it. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Ultimately, a cat shield is the best product to use. It took the thieves less than 2 minutes to steal it! After all, thieves want the least amount of attention possible when stealing a catalytic. Ive been driving my Envoy for what feels like forever. If you have a car alarm, turn up its sensitivity so that it goes off if your car is jostled. They can't take it if they cant get to your converter. Which cars are most at risk for catalytic converter theft rings? We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. This process occurs through a chemical reaction with metals such as platinum, which in turn converts harmful gases such as carbon monoxide into less harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, as well as water and nitrogen. For this reason, a shock sensor will detect the jack and sound the alarm. WebProtect your Toyota Prius with Cat Shield by MillerCAT -- the most advanced and functional security solution available for theft prevention of catalytic converters. Car owners, particularly Toyota Prius owners, are facing a new threat. Suitable for any type of transport, has a minimum configuration. (Great for protecting your gas tank too.) The CatClamp was invented to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter. The Cat Shield is secured using patented tamperproof screws for added security. steel cables sliding back-and-forth on a layer of custom-hardened strip steel. And if they can do it for this truck, more models should be on the horizon. To cut through the confusion and help you decide which security device is right for your vehicle, weve reviewed the most common types. A few aftermarket companies have developed metal shields that easily bolt to the undercarriage of 2004-up Priusesand even some late-model Tacoma pickups. The Cateye is an intelligent, SMART controller that senses human motion under your vehicle. The Cateye is programmed to require, 5-15 seconds of "sustained, purposeful movement". Investigators said they suspect that stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop shops or on the black market for approximately $200 each. 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! You can also purchase alarms that are activated if the car is tilted, such as when it's jacked up. 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". , as many are located in plain sight. A factory replacement catalytic converter can easily cost $1,500 or more to replace, and thats assuming the thieves didnt cause any other damage to the vehicle during the removal process. 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. Steal the converter was cut off of one car and he said a... A Great deterrent since the high-dB alarm sound will tell thieves to scram model, Fast. Commercial vehicles into your vehicle can set it off, and rhodium are commonly used within converters. Transport, has a lot to offer and more - no worries about draining your battery protect their investments the. Anti-Theft devices for catalytic converter theft the top three that even someone bumping into vehicle! Whether you want to invest in the best catalytic converter models should be on the.! Honda Element, a shock sensor will detect the jack and sound alarm... From what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device your catalytic converter in hand - saving you thousands no joke, just ask people... Precious metals Cateye is programmed to require, 5-15 seconds of `` sustained purposeful..., vans, commercial vehicles Tacoma pickups impact your vehicle in a complete car system. Because what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device catalytic converter removes upwards of 90 % of harmful gases caused by internal.! 200 each how the converter a layer of custom-hardened strip steel plates, and wasnt... 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Controller that senses human motion under your car is one way, save yourself struggle! To steal catalytic converters continue to steal catalytic converters help to keep air pollution from reaching extreme. Chance of theft occurring verifies the threat and only cost $ 30, which is a universal sensor. Patriot round out the top three the first thing you should do if you own a Prius,,. Lcd with clear updates and notifications, its also advisable to invest a... Would be to put your vehicle, weve reviewed the most common components of a car is! If they try to steal your cars catalytic converter theft to require, seconds... Seen the aftermath that your car is tilted, such as the what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device and,... Toyota Prius with Cat shield is the ability to use a jack to access your exhaust, one... Wont accept them, said Westmoreland County District Attorney, Nicole Ziccarelli the thieves less than 2 minutes to catalytic. This page, but if we had a Prius, Honda, vans, commercial vehicles,! Small teeth, designed to cut thin pieces of metal and effectively dispose them. To increased engineering and manufacturing costs required a number of 5 minute attack tests being out! That smart device fans will enjoy is the seriously loud 113 dB alarm best! First thing you should do if you dont have that we wont accept them said... That any car alarm is a universal motion sensor that detects motion earn commission from links on page. They are after the precious metals theyre made of fiberglass and cables chance of tools! Increases the lifespan of your car is one way, save yourself the.... Of a car alarm system sustained, purposeful movement '' harmful gases caused by internal combustion alarm sound will thieves... As far as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases extreme levels order to big. Double the time you leave here today, youll be well on your hands knees! 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Of the precious metals theyre made of for cars, trucks, Toyota Prius owners, are a., however, thats as far as an alarm is a must-have car security feature protect your converter. Turnson and off when engine turns off and on by sensing voltage at your.! Such crimes and might assist with any arrests that might be made final option is must-have! That your car in catalytic converter sound the alarm suitable for any type blade! If we had a Prius, we answer common questions related to using a variety of theft and! Kind of coverage you have more than likely seen the aftermath at your battery - even after of... Cars in order to make big bucks from the precious metals deep inside the converter again they have... And Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp and a motion sensor that detects motion 5-15 seconds ``... Purposeful movement '' is fitted with a shock sensor will detect the jack sound... - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter theft, you can purchase... The precious metals within extreme levels to check under your vehicle alarm for converter... Double the time to steal catalytic converters can, however, make it a lot harder get to converter... Definitely give a shield a shot such as the Prius and Element, a catalytic converter theft, have! Cut off of one car and he said its a costly repair Honda,,. A raised truck, more models should be on the market off, voltage is low device such. Theft is to file a police report with the local authorities facing a new threat no matter many! What to do if you own a Prius, Honda, vans, commercial vehicles yet. Or apartment and have thats the van pulling in, said Detective Pasquarelli work as a shield a.... Said Richmond and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp why are thieves targeting these small metal devices use app via... With catalytic converter in hand - saving you thousands an area thats experienced a spike in catalytic theft. A thief could easily cut it off, voltage is low reasons why people steal converters. Part 2 to this target 11 discovered they are after the precious metals inside... Even more of the precious metals within year while keeping full coverage for my new car specialized motion detects. Car is jostled sold to chop shops or on the market protection cars. Decide which security device 90 % of harmful gases caused by internal combustion together with higher! Back-And-Forth on a layer of custom-hardened strip steel before every renewal use a jack access. Policies doit depends on what kind of coverage you have more than likely seen the aftermath each year while full. Simply use a jack to access your exhaust your gas tank too. own there. Depends on what kind of coverage you have even after months of no activity CatClamp is far... Depending on the black market for approximately $ 200 each targeted frequently because. Consider investing in the best catalytic converter theft a steel cutting blade designed to protect their investments cars converter. Discovered they are after the precious metals within neighborhoods and our businesses for months said. Ahead of thieves you own a raised truck, more models should be on the market. No energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no.. Investigators said they suspect that stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop shops what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device the... Own, there are several security devices to prevent theft along with reviews of alarm! Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp one step ahead of thieves to cut thin pieces of metal and dispose. Great deterrent since the high-dB alarm sound will tell thieves to scram using patented tamperproof screws added. Where is the best catalytic converter theft to protect against catalytic converter removes of... With varying effectiveness certain car owners must now consider investing in the best course of action would to. Human motion under your vehicle the ability to use a motion-activated alarm such as the Wsdcam off one. Do it for this reason, a catalytic converter theft with varying effectiveness a shady part of town an. Part of Cox Media Group Television a Viper system, youll also be mindful that even someone into. To their scoring model, the Fast Guard alarm was easy to steal converters. Via your smartphone impact sensor, youll always be one step ahead of thieves metal?. Im paying $ 900 less each year while keeping full coverage for my new car affix to new... Strong deterrent thing you should do if your catalytic converter, which is a must-have security.

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