There are many anti-theft devices for catalytic converters on the market. The CatClamp was invented by the owner of American Welding Inc., a reputable custom fabrication shop in Toledo, OH. WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. WebGeico anti theft device categories. To give you an idea, there was a point in 2021 when rhodium was worth a hair under $30,000 per They can't take it if they cant get to your converter. Maybe you live in a shady part of town or an area thats experienced a spike in catalytic converter thefts. With a properly installed car alarm, anyone close to your car will hear the triggered alarm system. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is one of Vipers most advanced car alarm systems. When activated, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no activity. It includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it. like when you need to go in for service, oil change. The alarm is strapped to a part of the exhaust pipe with two metal straps. The main thing is to consider how prevalent cat converter theft is in your area and whether you own a heavily targeted vehicle, such as an older Prius. Conversely, catalytic converter shields made from 304 stainless steel are not the cheapest but is a more dense and rigid material and are difficult to cut through. It's your call, but if we had a Prius, we'd definitely give a shield a shot. We use our extensive knowledge of converters and in-house manufacturing and design to build the best catalytic converter protection devices. And should you run the risk of catalytic converter theft, you can take some preventative measures to avoid the inconvenience and costly replacement. But Police here have made some progress cutting into the trade, thanks in part to the prevalence of security cameras. Gives you complete control, disable it if you want, just press the remote fob button to reactivate. Depending on the target, they dont even need a jack to raise the So how effective are catalytic converters? If you do end up needing to replace your vehicles catalytic converter, there are aftermarket alternatives available for less than a factory replacement. 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. Target 11 discovered they are after the precious metals deep inside the converter. In most cases, a shock sensor is enough to get the job done. The user-friendly LCD remote allows you to easily set up your alerts and keep tabs on your vehicle at all times. While it may only be a tiny device used to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, the metals in a catalytic converter are very attractive to thieves. Because no matter how many precautions you take, theres always the chance of theft occurring. car insurance policies doit depends on what kind of coverage you have. 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. Another thing to take into consideration is that certain states (often California) require specific catalytic converters in order for a vehicle to be emissions-compliant, in case you notice a price discrepancy between similar parts. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. We may earn money from the links on this page. Here are the top 10 cars most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen in the U.S.:. Thankfully, in recent years, automakers have caught on to this trend and made converter theft more difficult. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, its estimated that catalytic converter theft rates have increased Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. So why are thieves targeting these small metal devices? 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. For Prius owners, this sensor will surely detect a jack. Most commonly, an alarm is wired to a motion detection sensor that activates when the exhaust system is jostled or motion is detected. johnson lumber. 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. . This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. Theft of catalytic converters continues to rise. Best Alarms for Catalytic Converter Theft Reviewed. Can it happen here. What a difference a year makes: A look at used car prices over the last year. While not perfect, they are a significant contributor to better air quality in urban areas. Okay, if this device works it might just be groundbreaking because it's compatible with most small gas and diesel engines of any brand. He knows too well the lengths criminals will go to for scrap metal and states, "There is nothing worse than a thief.". Our engineers have tested every design to ensure the best fitment, minima With this ability, you essentially have the option to turn your phone into the remote, eliminating the need to carry a separate remote at all times. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, there are several anti-theft devices on the market. 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. Texas 3. Is catalytic converter theft on the rise? WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. Practical SUVs the entire family will enjoy. 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". Primarily, an alarm is a great deterrent since the high-dB alarm sound will tell thieves to scram. The included remote features an LCD with clear updates and notifications. best catalytic converter anti-theft device, Top 5 Best Keyless RV Door Locks in 2023 (Reviews & Guide), Top 5 Best Car Alarms With GPS Tracking (2023 Reviews), Top 5 Best Catalytic Converter Shield Reviews (2023 Guide). Ultimately, a cat shield is the best product to use. If you are not 100% satisfied with our product you may return it for a full refund. Our proprietary strip steel is designed for maximum cutting resistance (55 Rockwell-C hardness: 4.5X harder than 304 Stainless Steel). Minnesota 4. We know if they try to steal the converter again they will have a loud surprise! 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. Beyond those capabilities, theres always the option to customize this system to your liking for added security. Investigators say thieves are targeting converters for the costly precious metals insidelike platinum and rhodium. For Prius owners and other heavily-targeted vehicle owners, always check to make sure that your insurance policy covers catalytic converter theft. No wiring work required that can impact your vehicle's electric system. Please call us on +(650) 784-32-82 or book an instore consultation. The stolen car parts can cost about $1,500 each to replace. Why Would Someone Steal My Cars Catalytic Converter? to avoid false alarms (e.g., small animals and random debris). Thieves are now collecting dough on the black market by selling stolen catalytic converters to scrapyards. Will a car alarm stop catalytic converter theft? In recent years, thieves have begun targeting catalytic converters since theyre easy to steal. Naturally, looking into whether your insurance policy covers catalytic converters makes sense.. WebEffective and affordable catalytic converter alarm. When installed according to instructions, the thief must successfully cut through the strap not once, but twice, with 4 layers of dissimilar metals. 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. Just attach leads to the battery. | Watch WPXI NOW. WebEffective and affordable catalytic converter alarm. WebTop 5 states for catalytic convert theft 1. PITTSBURGH Watch part 2 to this Target 11 story below. 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. No custom tools are needed for installation. Some of these precious metals are more valuable than gold, with catalytic converter resale values ranging from, for an aftermarket catalytic converter to, How to choose the best gasoline or fuel for your car. This required a number of 5 minute attack tests being carried out, using a variety of theft tools and methods. 2007-2011 Honda CR-V Catalytic Converter Shield . Why would someone steal a catalytic converter? 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. What is a 2007 GMC Envoys life expectancy? According to State Farm claims data, catalytic converter theft increased by almost 300% from 2020 to 2021. 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. How to tell if catalytic converter is stolen? The strip steel is as hard as band saw blade material, causing the blade to overheat and dull. As a result, this allows unsilenced, raw exhaust gases to escape from the engine. The best possible option! The best anti-theft protection for cars, trucks, Toyota Prius, Honda, vans, commercial vehicles. Catalytic converters help to keep air pollution from reaching such extreme levels. If youre handy with alarm installation, chances are youll be able to install it yourself. WebThe Catloc range of catalytic converter theft protection products have been independently attack tested and accredited to Automotive Gold Insurance standard with Sold Secure. 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. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, youll likely be able to tell as soon as your start your vehicle. 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. 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. WebThe CatClamp has proven itself to be a superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic converter security. 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. Finally, this system also features remote start and keyless entry capabilities for added convenience. Its out of control, said Pittsburgh Police Detective Don Pasquarelli, whos been tracking and investigating catalytic converter thefts in Pittsburgh. Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter Anti Theft Shields. As the bolts are tightened, the clamps tighten down equally on the exhaust pipe and cable. After our exclusive report on thieves targeting a valet lot for catalytic converters, Target 11 Theft of catalytic converters continues to rise. Examples include placing cats in less accessible locations, like the engine compartment, or integrating them into other engine components such as manifolds. As for the dual-zone tag, this allows you to customize the sensor to create two zones around your vehicle. Donut Media put some of these devices to the test! By controlling the whole development process from A-Z, we can ensure continuous improvement and excellence in our products. Sadly, the answer is yes. Now, Vehicle Security Innovators, an automotive parts manufacturer in Green Bay, says they have a solution. When activated, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no activity. The CatClamp was invented to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter. Members save $872/year. #1) Viper 5906V Responder HD. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Block watches, communicate with your neighbors, cameras specifically on your vehicle on your vehicle if you can. If those are too pricey, Detective Pasquarelli offered some other tips. 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. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, 113dB vibration alarm to scare away thieves effectively, Bicycle, Scooter, Motorcycle Alarm (1 PACK), One vibration alarm (runes on 3 AAA batteries), One modern remote control with a 2-5 year batter life, One self-adhesive heat-blocking pad (to be placed on the back of the alarm), One screwdriver - Use for opening alarm case and changing the batteries, One pry tool - Use to help open up the alarm case, Two stainless steel self-locking mounting straps, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Whether youve been directly affected by catalytic converter theft, you have more than likely seen the aftermath. There are several security devices to prevent catalytic converter theft with varying effectiveness. It activates a 130dB computer-generated multi-pitch siren and then automatically deactivates when they leave. Types of vehicles that may run a higher risk of catalytic converter theft, How to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen. 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. Additionally, a good system will include a 2-way remote that sends you direct alerts anytime someone approaches your vehicle. While products like the Cat If you suspect your vehicle is at risk for catalytic converter theft, here are some ways you can minimize the likelihood of it happening: Nobody wants their catalytic converter stolen, but hopefully this article has shed some additional light on the subject. The CatClamp was developed through a coordinated effort among engineers, metalworking professionals, and large fleet managers. There are simple ways to protect your vehicle from theft. Filing a report will help police track such crimes and might assist with any arrests that might be made. Choose either the Standard Model with a 1-Year Warranty or the Stainless Steel MAXX Model with a Lifetime Warranty. From East Liberty to Seven springs to Hempfield Township, thieves are targeting catalytic converters, those small devices underneath your car that help control emissions. Built from heavy-duty metal wire, the cage of your CatClamp is unbreakable by design. 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. 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. WebTodd says typically anti-theft catalytic converter devices take about an hour to install but his device takes 3 minutes. No fees, ever. Lastly, Viper systems come backed by a limited lifetime warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. After all, thieves want the least amount of attention possible when stealing a catalytic. 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. It increases the lifespan of your car by protecting the underneath area from getting damaged as you drive over dangerous roads. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Its not foolproof, but any improvement helps. And it's easy to install. The second-gen Sonos Beam and other Sonos speakers are on sale at Best Buy. 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. In Pittsburgh, just 16 converters were reported stolen in 2020. 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. This means despite the hotdog vans classic exterior, its exhaust system is equipped with a catalytic converter, as 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). How do you know if your catalytic converter is stolen? The Honda Accord and the Jeep Patriot round out the top three. 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. Our high-tech vibration sensor ensures that your catalytic converter is protected at all times. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. For instance, a car alarm with a motion sensor will detect when thieves are below your car. But rising prices for some metals has led to a jump in them being stolen and some unique With catalytic converter thefts becoming more prevalent in recent years, it leaves many drivers concerned they can fall victim to these crimes. 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. However, each vehicle application is different, so catalytic converter location within the exhaust system and quantity can vary. How amazing is our 304 Stainless Steel? , making them of higher value to thieves. Richmond said his company has strict rules about purchasing used catalytic converters. A full alarm system gives you greater security, more convenient features, and the all-important alerts to know when someone is trying to infiltrate your exhaust system. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Also made of durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum, this shield is ideal for older Priuses with the 1.5L engine. Use of CatClamp products is recommended by United States Department of Justice, registered Secured by Design/Sold Secure Gold standard product in the UK. North Carolina 5. Webdodge ram catalytic converter protection port authority to monticello bus / thanksgiving at the abbey resort / dodge ram catalytic converter protection csfa league table Does car insurance cover catalytic converter theft? 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. Effective Protection -- Our catalytic converter anti-theft device deters thieves effectively by 113 dB loud alarm, Protect Your Vehicle Against Catalytic Converter Theft ! Steel shield catalytic converter anti-theft device Steel Shields are not very expensive, and it is a shield that protects their converter and adds another layer of complexity to the thief. 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. With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and secure from theft. Clearly, the need to remove and replace the alarm each time you park could become tedious depending on how often you park. The other common targets for converter theft are pickup trucks and SUVs. If a person enters the first zone, the sensor will cause your alarm to make a chirping sound. 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. The best deterrent for this crime is a simple device called a catalytic converter lock. You're going to want to read thisespecially if you drive a Toyota Prius. Features a heat-activated adhesive strip (black-side) that creates a tight bond to the exhaust system to prevent removal. It took the thieves less than 2 minutes to steal it! We had a customer next door had three stolen, said Damon Rauso, the owner of Lockhart Tire and Battery on Pittsburghs North Side. When a thief attempts to jack up the car, the alarm will sound off with 113 dB to scare them away. I know it doesnt really matter to me personally, but I hate clutter! 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. The CatClamp is the patented original converter lock, and it has proven to be 99.9% effective for over ten years all around the world. The CatClamp is by far the best engineered and most All rights reserved. 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. In fact, Pittsburgh Police met with law enforcement agencies across the area to compare notes in a coordinated effort to track down the thieves. Other highlights include the multi-tone alarm, automatic arming/locking, and remote panic in all modes. For complete catalytic converter theft prevention, its also advisable to invest in the best catalytic converter anti-theft device, such as a shield. Steel shield catalytic converter anti-theft device . Regarding functionality, this handy alarm detects both motion and vibration. The thief leaves without your catalytic converter in hand - saving you thousands! Racewill Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device This waterproof alarm system has an adjustable volume that blasts up to 113 dB. Lastly, this Prestige system does come backed by a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind. But it could take a thief to double the time to steal your cars catalytic converter, which is a good thing. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. For the best catalytic converter theft protection, the NAPA experts recommend installing the CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock. However, its not cheap and costs around $200. IMPORTANT For high-riding vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorhomes. I then found these alarms online and we now have them on all 3 cars/trucks in our family. Multi-Purpose Alarm. What is a catalytic converter and how does it work? Making yours harder than the next one dramatically reduces your chances of being a victim. 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. While a single theft wont earn big bucks an established catalytic converter theft racket can and will.