When activated, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no activity. 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. If you own a raised truck, then your best bet is to go with a shock sensor and a motion sensor. Rhodium, for example, sells for thousands of dollars per ounce. CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock. Catalytic converter theft is no joke, just ask these people. No custom tools are needed for installation. These shields often require installation by a professional as they take advantage of the structural rigidity of a vehicle's chassis to make them difficult to remove by catalytic converter thieves. 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. How to tell if catalytic converter is stolen? We use our extensive knowledge of converters and in-house manufacturing and design to build the best catalytic converter protection devices. The CatClamp is by far the best engineered and most In Pittsburgh, just 16 converters were reported stolen in 2020. Designed to deter the issue of catalytic converter from your car. 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. I know it doesnt really matter to me personally, but I hate clutter! CAT-SCR-TUN-2 . Anti-theft catalytic converter stickers affix to a car window warning that the catalytic converter is fitted with a security device. If you dont have that we wont accept them, said Richmond. COMPLETE BOLT-ON PRIUS GEN 3/PRIUS V/LEXUS CT200H NOW AVAILABLE! Depending on the vehicle, some catalytic converters arent even welded in and are simply attached with bolts, which do not require electric cutting tools for removal. This one the catalytic converter is about 18-hundred, said Rauso. Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters? There are a couple of reasons why people steal catalytic converters. For one, it contains valuable metals. 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. Rhodium, for example, sells for thousands of dollars per ounce. So why are thieves targeting these small metal devices? 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. , as many are located in plain sight. WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. captured thieves stealing converters from a truck. Now that youve examined the most commonly used security devices against catalytic converter theft, choosing which one is right for your vehicle comes down to the level of protection you need, and your budget. The Best I just enrolled in auto mechanic school so I bought myself an OBD scanner. Better bring multiple blades, because one won't last! If you have a car alarm, turn up its sensitivity so that it goes off if your car is jostled. 5 Ways to Prevent Thieves From Stealing Your Catalytic Converter. After our exclusive report on thieves targeting a valet lot for catalytic converters, Target 11 Suitable for any type of transport, has a minimum configuration. On a vehicle with a frame, the frame and/or cross members are used as durable attachment points, on a vehicle without a frame (unibody construction) anti-sway bar and/or engine/transmission brackets are utilized as durable attachment points. Which Types of Vehicles Are Prone to Catalytic Converter Theft? 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. Prius catalytic converters are worth more, hence the reason why thieves target Prius cars, particularly older models. 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. Thankfully, in recent years, automakers have caught on to this trend and made converter theft more difficult. The base package includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard Shock Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. Always keep in mind that any car alarm is a deterrent. California 2. For Prius owners, this sensor will surely detect a jack. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is one of Vipers most advanced car alarm systems. Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen? I want to try it out on my car, but Ive never used one before. WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. To put this into perspective, a catalytic converter removes upwards of 90% of harmful gases caused by internal combustion. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen? According to CarFax, the top targeted vehicle by thieves is the Ford F Series pick up trucks. The thief leaves without your catalytic converter in hand -, st Go Away". Filing a report will help police track such crimes and might assist with any arrests that might be made. 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. Copyright 2022 Fast Guard Alarms. Our high-tech vibration sensor ensures that your catalytic converter is protected at all times. Everybody wants the valuable metals inside of this, said Virgil Richmond, the facilities manager at Michael Brothers Recycling. There are simple ways to protect your vehicle from theft. Certain vehicles are more prone to catalytic converter theft than others. Next, the 1-mile range is one of the longest youll find. Depending on the target, they dont even need a jack to raise the Why are people stealing catalytic converter? If thats the case, you may want to 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. Ask your mechanic if driving your specific vehicle without a catalytic converter is a safe option or if it will further damage it. is a super straightforward process, and at each step, you can see exactly what coverage youre paying for. he Physical Barrier, The Cateye works by using a specialized motion sensor that detects motion under your car. The Cateye is programmed to require5-15 seconds of "sustained, purposeful movement"to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). With the dual-stage shock & impact sensor, youll always be one step ahead of thieves. These suspects terrorized our neighborhoods and our businesses for months, said Westmoreland County District Attorney, Nicole Ziccarelli. However, there are a number of anti-theft devices in the market designed to keep a cars catalytic safely intact. If you are not 100% satisfied with our product you may return it for a full refund. 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. 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. However, each vehicle application is different, so catalytic converter location within the exhaust system and quantity can vary. Visit a Mechanic. Investigators said they suspect that stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop shops or on the black market for approximately $200 each. 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. Its out of control, said Pittsburgh Police Detective Don Pasquarelli, whos been tracking and investigating catalytic converter thefts in Pittsburgh. If youre handy with alarm installation, chances are youll be able to install it yourself. 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. In this article, youll discover car alarm systems that work well to help you prevent catalytic converter theft. For anyone with a, can help reduce the risk of theft. When choosing a car alarm to prevent catalytic converter theft, there are several routes to take. Theres no way that anyone in the vicinity wouldnt hear this alarm once its been triggered. 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! I then found these alarms online and we now have them on all 3 cars/trucks in our family. The Honda Accord and the Jeep Patriot round out the top three. The strip steel is as hard as band saw blade material, causing the blade to overheat and dull. Some shields are made from aluminum, which is a lighter, buta lessdense material. The Cateye works by using a specialized motion sensor that detects motion under your car. Keep in mind that an alarm is only part of an anti-theft system. 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. Our car experts choose every product we feature. And should you run the risk of catalytic converter theft, you can take some preventative measures to avoid the inconvenience and costly replacement. Her first car was a Mazda 3 Sport GT. If you do end up needing to replace your vehicles catalytic converter, there are aftermarket alternatives available for less than a factory replacement. 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. WebProtect your Toyota Prius with Cat Shield by MillerCAT -- the most advanced and functional security solution available for theft prevention of catalytic converters. This lock attaches to the vehicles exhaust system and makes it very difficult for thieves to remove the converter. Also, youll pick up tips on how to prevent theft along with reviews of each alarm. 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? 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. In fact, Pittsburgh Police met with law enforcement agencies across the area to compare notes in a coordinated effort to track down the thieves. Please call us on +(650) 784-32-82 or book an instore consultation. We didnt get any refund back from it, but its still satisfying knowing that the person was caught, said Mongiovi. The heavy-duty wire acts like a cage around your converter, effectively tying it to your frame. But also be mindful that even someone bumping into your vehicle can set it off. WebTodd says typically anti-theft catalytic converter devices take about an hour to install but his device takes 3 minutes. 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. With a high dB alarm and alerts, you give yourself a much greater chance of protecting your investment. Most commonly, an alarm is wired to a motion detection sensor that activates when the exhaust system is jostled or motion is detected. This device is affordable, reliable, and virtually guaranteed to thwart would-be criminals. ). #1) Viper 5906V Responder HD. (Great for protecting your gas tank too.) Why would someone steal a catalytic converter? No wiring work required that can impact your vehicle's electric system. 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. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. Features a heat-activated adhesive strip (black-side) that creates a tight bond to the exhaust system to prevent removal. The blade can't grip the steel cables properly because they create a moving target. , meaning that the catalytic converter theft rate is higher for specific models. Only $32.99. According to their testing, the Cat Clamp doubled the amount of time it would take a thief to steal the cat converter. For everyone else, stick with professional installation to ensure you get what you paid for. 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 user-friendly LCD remote allows you to easily set up your alerts and keep tabs on your vehicle at all times. Ultimately, a cat shield is the best product to use. They filter toxic fumes and gases using specific (and very expensive) precious metalsplatinum, rhodium, and palladium. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. So, he decided to invent one with two goals in mind: quick to put on and hard to take off. 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 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-grade. Steel shield catalytic converter anti-theft device . With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and secure from theft. The printed warning may indicate the fitment of a GPS tracker, engraved part, or other theft deterrent system. 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. 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 If you're a Toyota Prius driver, you're in luck. Landing at third on our list is another affordable car alarm for catalytic converter theft. You can also purchase alarms that are activated if the car is tilted, such as when it's jacked up. 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. for theft because theyre low emissions, so their catalytic converters contain. 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 CAT-SCR-CRV-3 . Weve got you! 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 most cases, a shock sensor is enough to get the job done. The best type is probably with metal shields around the catalytic converter so the thief wont be able to cut it easily. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. All Rights Reserved. *99% success rate over 8 years and 10,000+ installations. 2007-2011 Honda CR-V Catalytic Converter Shield . This product is a long adhesive strap made of fiberglass and cables. Thats the van pulling in, said Rachele Mongiovi, of Mongiovi and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp. Then, theres the 105 dB alarm thats guaranteed to act as more than just a mild deterrent. A long time customer with a large fleet of vehicles approached the company about solving the problem of catalytic converter theft on their fleet. The thief is equipped with a steel cutting blade designed to cut thin wall metal like exhaust pipe tubing. But you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. 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. In 2020, there were only 16 converter thefts, and in 2021, that number jumped to 93, but last year, there were a whopping 272 thefts. Only $32.99. Effective Protection -- Our catalytic converter anti-theft device deters thieves effectively by 113 dB loud alarm, Protect Your Vehicle Against Catalytic Converter Theft ! More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. Installation of the CatClamp may qualify your auto insurance policy for a discount, check with your auto insurance company for details. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Car owners, particularly Toyota Prius owners, are facing a new threat. The car with 4 doors still has a lot to offer and more. He's also a smog technician and was working that day on a Prius when he noticed the problems other anti-theft devices we're creating. .css-1r3oo2y{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Paralucent,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1r3oo2y:hover{color:link-hover;}}.css-1r3oo2y:hover{color:#454148;}Formula 1 Is Back! Install an antitheft device or metal protective cage around it. Certain car owners must now consider investing in the best car alarm for catalytic converter theft to protect their investments. If those are too pricey, Detective Pasquarelli offered some other tips. It activates a 130dB computer-generated multi-pitch siren and then automatically deactivates when they leave. The police said thats the 7th cat this month on this area. The first product they tried was the Fast Guard Catalytic Converter alarm, which was easy to install. All in all, Viper is the first place to look if you want a reliable car alarm system with all of the bells & whistles. Is catalytic converter theft on the rise? If youve never seen a catalytic converter, you likely have no idea what it looks like. Since they have additional ground clearance over a car, thieves can quickly slide under the vehicle and remove the cat(s) without having to jack up the vehicle for access. Scrapyard owners then pass the converters along the chain to have the precious metals extracted. 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. Okay, if this device works it might just be groundbreaking because it's compatible with most small gas and diesel engines of any brand. Once installed, the car owner can activate the alarm with the remote. REAL CUSTOMER SERVICEFeel free to call, email or text us for any help! Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, and no one wants to deal with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs out of pocket. According to their scoring model, the Fast Guard alarm was easy to install and only cost $30, which is good. Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter Anti Theft Shields. But the extra security can come with a higher price tag due to increased engineering and manufacturing costs. Andrea is an insurance writer with 4+ years of writing and editing experience. 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. 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. 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). 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. As a result, the sensor will sound the alarm. | Watch WPXI NOW. 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. Naturally, looking into whether your insurance policy covers catalytic converters makes sense.. Model specific kits available for some vehicles. The Patented CatClamp design requires only a 3/8" hole/opening for the wire rope to pass through and secure the CatClamp to the vehicle chassis. The CatClamp was invented to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter. Theyre usually worth more than gold. Do I need an existing alarm system to protect my catalytic converter? 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. But rising prices for some metals has led to a jump in them being stolen and some unique 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. Surveillance cameras at Mongiovi and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp. Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed. 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. Extremely Difficult to Cut: Turns a Normal 60sec Theft into a Struggle that Overwhelms Thieves, and Prevents You from Being an Easy Target, Custom-Hardened Band Steel Inside the Catstrap Dulls the Teeth of the Saw Bl, Low-Profile - Requires no space clearance Flexible - Follows any contour, A TOUGH CUTTING BARRIER AND THEFT DETERRENT TO PROTECT YOUR CATALYTIC CONVERTER, Infrared Smart Sensor activates 130 dB Siren to Keep Thieves Out from Under your Vehicle. Catalytic converter theft has been rampant over the past couple of years. Open cage design allows heat to dissipate normally from the converter. If you own a Prius or Honda Element, a thief will need to use a jack to access your exhaust. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, youll likely be able to tell as soon as your start your vehicle. There are many anti-theft devices for catalytic converters on the market. Its not foolproof, but any improvement helps. Our high-tech vibration sensor ensures that your catalytic converter is protected at all times. Thieves are now collecting dough on the black market by selling stolen catalytic converters to scrapyards. While not perfect, they are a significant contributor to better air quality in urban areas. 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. And it's easy to install. However, it was tricky to install, costs $200, and its not very stealthy, which is good. Police put out an alert for that van with Kentucky plates, and the men were busted in State college. great dane sacramento, larry gates obituary, discord packing bible,