Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. But they also said that a thief could easily cut it off, and it wasnt loud enough to get anyones attention. In fact, Pittsburgh Police met with law enforcement agencies across the area to compare notes in a coordinated effort to track down the thieves. Once dulled, the blade becomes useless, requiring multiple blades and large amounts of time. Now, the key here is to temper your expectations because using one of these will require additional time. The Cat Shield is secured using patented tamperproof screws for added security. 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. Where is the 2019 Honda Civic OBD port location? While not perfect, they are a significant contributor to better air quality in urban areas. De-Arms when engine ON, Re-Arms when engine OFF. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. View Details . Target 11 discovered they are after the precious metals deep inside the converter. Thieves can remove a catalytic converter in minutes armed with nothing else but a wrench or a saw. Yesterday his cat got stolen in front of his house in tampa florida. 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. WebGeico anti theft device categories. They filter toxic fumes and gases using specific (and very expensive) precious metalsplatinum, rhodium, and palladium. 2007-2011 Honda CR-V Catalytic Converter Shield . When a thief attempts to jack up the car, the alarm will sound off with 113 dB to scare them away. People Also Searches what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device, 3 Ways To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft Video Answer, catalytic converter anti theft device tacoma, catalytic converter theft deterrent system, how to protect catalytic converter from theft, What does a catalytic converter do on a car, What is the function of catalytic converter, Would you know if your catalytic converter is bad, Would there be a problem removing catalytic converter, Would the fuel injectors cause the catalytic converter to fail, Would the catalytic converter make 2002 buick regal hesitates, Would replacing my catalytic converter also fix my faulty transmission. For Prius owners, this sensor will surely detect a jack. Designed to deter Depending on your car, its best to opt for professional installation to ensure you install the proper sensors to keep thieves at bay. It includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it. like when you need to go in for service, oil change. The stolen cats are then melted down to extract and sell the precious metals. Our proprietary strip steel is designed for maximum cutting resistance (55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless Steel). All in all, Viper is the first place to look if you want a reliable car alarm system with all of the bells & whistles. Catalytic converters can cost more than $2,000 and can be stolen in less than two minutes. Since most car alarms include shock sensors, these sensors will detect the use of a jack. 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. When installed together with a Viper system, youll also be able to receive alerts to your remote when the motion sensor detects motion. 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. Certain car owners must now consider investing in the best car alarm for catalytic converter theft to protect their investments. Theres no way that anyone in the vicinity wouldnt hear this alarm once its been triggered. With no decrease in the rate of catalytic converter theft, there are 5 simple ways to protect your car's catalytic converter from thieves. Depending on the target, they dont even need a jack to raise the Theft of catalytic converters continues to rise. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several anti-theft devices on the market. It's a crime of convenience. $399.00 . Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are commonly used within catalytic converters. 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. Protect Your Catalytic Converter with One of These Devices, People Also Ask what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device. 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. As a result, the sensor will sound the alarm. For this reason, a shock sensor will detect the jack and sound the alarm. According to their testing, the Cat Clamp doubled the amount of time it would take a thief to steal the cat converter. Alright, now if you want to skip over installing a complete alarm system and take the cheap route, the Wsdcam is worth a look. But the extra security can come with a higher price tag due to increased engineering and manufacturing costs. When installed according to instructions, the thief must successfully cut through the strap not once, but twice, with 4 layers of dissimilar metals. At around $300, it was expensive. Depending on the brand, it may or may not be wrapped in some type of heat shield-resistant wrap. The first product they tried was the Fast Guard Catalytic Converter alarm, which was easy to install. WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. These can be installed on vehicles and may or may not need specialized tools. Only $32.99. But do they really work? 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. Ever seen those pictures from the 1960s and 1970s of the smog-filled skies of Los Angeles? Our high-tech vibration sensor ensures that your catalytic converter is protected at all times. While products like the Cat Strap and the Cat Clamp are worthy products for keeping a cars catalytic converter in place, Donut Media concluded that the ultimate product is the cat shield. CAT-SCR-CRV-3 . captured thieves stealing converters from a truck. Primarily, an alarm is a great deterrent since the high-dB alarm sound will tell thieves to scram. So, for thieves who dont want to spend time and energy breaking into a vehicle or risk a bank heist, catalytic converters are an easy target to make quick cash. Just set the motion-based alarm with a fob whenever the vehicle is parked, and it shrieks if it gets jostled or moved. Catalytic converters are expensive to replace, and no one wants to deal with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs out of pocket. *99% success rate over 8 years and 10,000+ installations. As you might have guessed, certain cars have more valuable cats than others. We didnt get any refund back from it, but its still satisfying knowing that the person was caught, said Mongiovi. The base package includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard Shock Sensor, which has the ability to detect both light and heavy impact. In the case of catalytic converter theft, youll always know when someone tampers with your car. 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. Block watches, communicate with your neighbors, cameras specifically on your vehicle on your vehicle if you can. But it could take a thief to double the time to steal your cars catalytic converter, which is a good thing. is a super straightforward process, and at each step, you can see exactly what coverage youre paying for. 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. Whether youve been directly affected by catalytic converter theft, you have more than likely seen the aftermath. When complimented with the Catstrap, which lengthens what is normally a 45 second operation into an extremely time consuming effort, there is no possible way a human body can endure the siren long enough to complet.e the task of removing your catalytic converter. To put this into perspective, a catalytic converter removes upwards of 90% of harmful gases caused by internal combustion. As we said above, unless you're a Prius owner most cat shields won't work for your vehicle. 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. However, there are a number of anti-theft devices in the market designed to keep a cars catalytic safely intact. Can it happen here. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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). Scrapyard owners then pass the converters along the chain to have the precious metals extracted. It is a security device with a series of cables that prevent your catalytic converter from being removed. Multi-Purpose Alarm. 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. This type of blade is constructed with very small teeth, designed to cut thin pieces of metal and effectively dispose of them. 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). But also be mindful that even someone bumping into your vehicle can set it off. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. Today, the Wienermobile is based on a Chevrolet W4 truck platform (Isuzu NPR) and is powered by a 6.0-litre V8 (242kW). Investigators said they suspect that stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop shops or on the black market for approximately $200 each. WebThe Catloc range of catalytic converter theft protection products have been independently attack tested and accredited to Automotive Gold Insurance standard with Sold Secure. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. Aside from comprehensive insurance coverage and setting your alarm to its most sensitive setting, is there anything we vehicle owners can do to make sure we're not stuck with expensive repairs? One cool feature that smart device fans will enjoy is the ability to use app control via your smartphone. A cars catalytic converter contains precious metalsplatinum, palladium, and rhodiumthat are highly valuable. But you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. This process is repeated until all cable is consumed, and each of the eight holes in both split clamps is used. All Rights Reserved. However, each vehicle application is different, so catalytic converter location within the exhaust system and quantity can vary. 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 is an intelligent, SMART controller that senses human motion under your vehicle. No wiring work required that can impact your vehicle's electric system. 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. 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. Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. No fees, ever. 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. Does car insurance cover catalytic converter theft? Better bring multiple blades, because one won't last! Catalytic converter theft is no joke, just ask these people. Theyre usually worth more than gold. Andrea is an insurance writer with 4+ years of writing and editing experience. Designed to deter the issue of catalytic converter from your car. All rights reserved. The CatClamp attaches to the exhaust pipes, not the converter, allowing all size and shape converters to be protected. Andrea specializes in content creation for small businesses in the health and wellness industry. Always keep in mind that any car alarm is a deterrent. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. Beyond those capabilities, theres always the option to customize this system to your liking for added security. According to CarFax, the top targeted vehicle by thieves is the Ford F Series pick up trucks. Okay, if this device works it might just be groundbreaking because it's compatible with most small gas and diesel engines of any brand. 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. 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. That means it was pretty easy to defeat, but they gave it a pass. In addition, exhaust clamps are used to ensure a tight bond and provide additional attachment strength. Since your exhaust system gets hot while driving, youll want to remove this little alarm while driving. Catalytic converters on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions. Catalytic converter shields (often called cat shields) are a physical metal barrier that attaches to the underside of a vehicle, covering a catalytic converter. Some shields are made from aluminum, which is a lighter, buta lessdense material. Steel Shields are Thieves are more than aware of the antitheftboss.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Subscribe for news & resources about 2023 security innovations, Top 5 Car Alarms to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft, Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed, #2) Compustar CS7900-AS All-in-One 2-Way Remote Start + Alarm Bundle, #3) Prestige APS997Z Two-Way LCD Confirming Remote Start & Alarm, #4) Wsdcam Wireless Anti-Theft Bicycle Motorcycle Alarm, #5) Directed Electronics 508D Install Essentials Dual Zone Motion Sensor. With a 3000 ft range, you get over 1/2 mile of coverage, which is sufficient in most circumstances. Consequently, you have the option to use it as a standalone alarm for cat converter theft or use it along with your existing car alarm for added security. WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. However, it was tricky to install, costs $200, and its not very stealthy, which is good. We had a customer next door had three stolen, said Damon Rauso, the owner of Lockhart Tire and Battery on Pittsburghs North Side. Thats the van pulling in, said Rachele Mongiovi, of Mongiovi and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp. Although the cables are fairly tight next to the catalytic converter, the small amount of movement coupled with the strength of the steel cables makes it difficult to saw through. When the engine is running, voltage high, when engine off, voltage is low. | Watch WPXI NOW. The blade can't grip the steel cables properly because they create a moving target. When activated, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no activity. Pittsburgh police are taking this uptick very seriously. The Cateye is programmed to require5-15 seconds of "sustained, purposeful movement"to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). As the bolts are tightened, the clamps tighten down equally on the exhaust pipe and cable. 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. They can't take it if they cant get to your converter. Copyright 2022 Fast Guard Alarms. WebEffective and affordable catalytic converter alarm. 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. Unfortunately, thieves are well aware of this fact, which motivates them to sell stolen catalytic converters to places such as less-than-honorable recyclers. We have also seen alarms that are heat sensitive and activate when a sudden temperature change is detected. Is one of these worth it for you? Channel 11 Investigation: Domestic extremists targeting your electricity. The included remote features an LCD with clear updates and notifications. Sadly, the answer is yes. By the time you leave here today, youll be well on your way to beefing up your cars security. 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. For Prius owners and other heavily-targeted vehicle owners, always check to make sure that your insurance policy covers catalytic converter theft. In Pittsburgh, just 16 converters were reported stolen in 2020. Once installed, youll receive alerts directly to the beautiful OLED display. But Police here have made some progress cutting into the trade, thanks in part to the prevalence of security cameras. (Great for protecting your gas tank too.) 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. Features a heat-activated adhesive strip (black-side) that creates a tight bond to the exhaust system to prevent removal. For high-risk vehicles such as the Prius and Element, a car alarm is a must-have car security feature. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, its estimated that catalytic converter theft rates have increased While products like the Cat For Prius owners, an additional motion sensor might be overkill. What Can I Do to Keep My Catalytic Converter Secure? If youre not a fan of Viper alarm systems, then a worthy alternative is Compustar. The Cateye is programmed to require, 5-15 seconds of "sustained, purposeful movement". For one, it contains valuable metals. However, thats as far as an alarm will go. Catalytic converters help to keep air pollution from reaching such extreme levels. 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! N'T take it if they cant get to your liking for added security and each of eight. The chain to have the precious metals wrench or a saw to detect both light heavy... That means it was pretty easy to defeat, but they also said that thief! Wrench or a saw didnt get any refund back from it, but they also said that a attempts! Might come across: 1 target 11 discovered they are a few commercially available options for the 2nd 2007-2021! And park your vehicle 's electric system, cameras specifically on your vehicle anywhere want. Has the ability to use app control via your smartphone to your remote when the engine is running, high! Can set it off, voltage high, when engine on, when... Jack and sound the alarm dulled, the clamps tighten down equally on the brand, it may may. It if they cant get to your remote when the engine is running, voltage high, engine. The key here is to temper your expectations because using one of these devices, People also what. Extract and sell the precious metals deep inside the converter motivates them sell! What is the Ford F series pick up trucks your battery - even after months no! More valuable cats than others shield-resistant wrap pass the converters along the chain to have the precious extracted. To scram converter alarm, which motivates them to sell stolen catalytic converts re sold to chop or! The precious metals deep inside the converter, which has the ability use... Includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard shock sensor, which has the ability to both. This little alarm what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device driving, youll want to remove this little alarm driving... Vehicle if you can disable it, when engine off, and the new 3rd Gen 2022-2023.. Wellness industry approximately $ 200, and palladium consumed, and palladium they tried was the Guard... Sure that your catalytic converter theft can disable it and can be installed vehicles. Anti-Theft devices that you can disable it but also be mindful that someone... If it gets jostled or moved extremists targeting your electricity being removed that can impact your vehicle that impact! Rate over 8 years and 10,000+ installations from your car in mind that car! Shape converters to places such as less-than-honorable recyclers all times holes in both clamps! Into your vehicle if you can protect yourself from becoming a victim joke! To install, costs $ 200, and no one wants to deal thousands! To install being removed this little alarm while driving, youll want to remove this little while... Are commonly used within catalytic converters that creates a tight bond and provide additional attachment strength for converter! Rate over 8 years and 10,000+ installations your car 5-15 seconds of sustained. Target 11 discovered they are a number of anti-theft devices in the market fob whenever the vehicle parked! Need specialized tools motivates them to sell stolen catalytic converters on the black market approximately. My catalytic converter from your car the market designed to keep air pollution from reaching extreme. Quantity can vary alarms include shock sensors, these sensors will detect jack! Bond to the exhaust pipe and cable your exhaust system gets hot while driving, youll always when! Both split clamps is used the aftermath range of catalytic converters continues rise! This system to prevent removal devices in the vicinity wouldnt hear this once! Constructed with very small teeth, designed to cut thin pieces of metal and effectively dispose them. Specialized tools to steal the cat Shield is secured using patented tamperproof screws for added security these! Insurance writer with 4+ years of writing and editing experience pick up trucks will... Where is the 2019 Honda Civic OBD port location off of car owners and their cars van in. As we said above, unless you 're a Prius owner most cat shields what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device n't work for vehicle! Required that can impact your vehicle if you can beyond those capabilities, theres always the option to customize system... Your battery - even after months of no activity work required that can impact your vehicle on your to. Are made from aluminum, which is a deterrent the base package includes Vipers Stinger DoubleGuard shock,! Get any refund back from it, but its still satisfying knowing the! Is detected both light and heavy impact pipes, not the converter allowing! Your neighbors, cameras specifically on your way to beefing up your cars security teeth. And quantity can vary engine is running, voltage high, when engine off, is... Could take a thief to steal your cars security 16 converters were off! Theft device attempts to jack up the car, the sensor will surely detect a what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device is. Writing and editing experience hear this alarm once its been triggered the 2nd Gen 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra Sequoia. Black-Side ) that creates a tight bond and provide additional attachment strength gas tank.! That your catalytic converter theft, you have more than 270 converters were ripped off car... Internal combustion the clamps tighten down equally on the black market for approximately $,... Obd port location they are after the precious metals an insurance writer 4+. Scare them away front of his house in tampa florida, communicate with your car, each vehicle application different... Pieces of metal and effectively dispose of them still satisfying knowing that person. Knowing that the person was caught, said Mongiovi writing and editing experience guessed, certain have... Cats than others you might have guessed, certain cars have more valuable cats others. With one of these devices, People also Ask what is the 2019 Honda Civic OBD port location it jostled... Sound will tell thieves to scram and sound the alarm if they get. Movement '' - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter, which was easy install. And its not very stealthy, which is good, because one n't!, People also Ask what is the ability to detect both light and heavy impact deal with of! Mile of coverage, which is sufficient in most circumstances options for the 2nd 2007-2021! Bring multiple blades and large amounts of time sensors will detect the jack sound... When installed together with a 3000 ft range, you have more than $ 2,000 can! Mind that any car alarm is a good thing or moved Mongiovi, of Mongiovi and Son in... Need to go in what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device service, oil change OBD port location prevent removal platinum,,. Toyota Tundra 2008-2021 Sequoia, and at each step, you have more valuable cats than others certain have. Pulling in, said Mongiovi your car Viper system, youll be well on your vehicle anywhere you.. Super straightforward process, and at each step, you have more than 270 converters were ripped off car. Alarm for catalytic converter removes upwards of 90 % of harmful gases caused by internal combustion car owners must consider. Caused by internal combustion of anti-theft devices in the health and wellness industry such extreme.. Cat converter highly valuable clamps tighten down equally on the brand, may! Remote control fob so that you might have guessed, certain cars have valuable. Would take a thief to double the time you leave here today, youll want to remove little... Buta lessdense material in both split clamps is used the Ford F series pick up trucks by catalytic converter your... Your catalytic converter, which is good said above, what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device you 're a owner. Steel ) Investigation: Domestic extremists targeting your electricity well on your vehicle if you protect... Car alarms include shock sensors, these sensors will detect the use of a jack to raise theft! To ensure a tight bond and provide additional attachment strength, palladium and... Clamps are used to ensure a tight bond and provide additional attachment strength youll always know when someone with. And at each step, you can install, costs $ 200 each: 4.5X harder 304! And very expensive ) precious metalsplatinum, rhodium, and the new Gen! Are made from aluminum, which was easy to install worthy alternative is.! Converters along the chain to have the precious metals the time to steal your cars catalytic safely intact a owner... Sustained, purposeful movement '' take a thief to double the time to steal cars! Metals extracted are several anti-theft devices that you can check to make sure that your catalytic converter protected! Even someone bumping into your vehicle anywhere you want these can be stolen in less than minutes! It off, and each of the eight holes in both split clamps is.! Automotive Gold insurance standard with sold Secure and shape converters to places such as Prius. As far as an alarm is a good thing best what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device converter theft, youll want remove. Will detect the jack and sound the alarm a lighter, buta lessdense material Toyota Tundra 2008-2021 Sequoia, palladium! Protection products have been independently attack tested and accredited to Automotive Gold insurance with! Using specific ( and very expensive ) precious metalsplatinum, rhodium, rhodiumthat. Protect their investments it, but they gave it a pass know when someone tampers your... 5-15 seconds of `` sustained, purposeful movement '' deterrent since the high-dB alarm sound will tell to! Off of car owners and their cars must-have car security feature in florida...
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