Catalytic converter theft

[Tengu]

Has anyone seen this article about the theft of Catalytic converters?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23117250/

Has anyone had it happen to them?


And finally, does anyone know of a product, brush guard, skid plate, reinforced bracket, or anything that would just make this too much of a pain in the ass for the thief to bother with, so they move on to the next vehicle?

 

[ptung07]

Ahh!
First, we had to worry about stolen spare tires:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9625

Now, we have to worry about stolen cat converters? What sucks is that they specifically called out the 4Runner in the article.

What has the world come to?! lol

 

[Tengu]

As I was reading this I was thinking, MAaan an SUV would be a hell of a target. I bet my .... yup... there it is 4runner... damn.

 

[Even Steven]

SUVs are ideal because it is easy to slide right under them and hack the CAT right off. If it ever happened to my 4Runner, I'd definitely design some sort of skidplate to cover the CAT. Think about it--we already have skids under the vehicle, so why not add one more to protect the CAT from both offroad driving AND thieves.

I'm sure that the guys stealing CATs would move on to another vehicle if they slid under, only to find a skid plate in their way. It's just easier to go to the next vehicle that doesn't have any obstructions.

 

[BTLFED]

That's great. I hope my dog hears something going on and wakes me up before they get away with mine. I have heard of this before, but didn't know that our 4Runners were the prime target of it.

 

[EuroDriver]

Theft Prevention

I have known of a few people that have had the cats stolen - so far I have only heard of it on the Tacoma trucks, but I do hear it prevalent among the 4Runners as well. One guy told me he heard his dog barking, looked out the window, saw nothing and ignored it. he figured out the next morning what the barking was all about. I have discussed this at a couple of muffler shops and the problem is that it's easy to crawl under the trucks (especially the ones with lifts) and simply unbolt them - it's easier and quicker than "hacking them off." The solution? For $10-$20, almost any muffler shop can put a weld spot or 2 on the threads behind the nut and most thieves, being the opportunists that they are, will simply move on to look for a simpler target.

 

[Even Steven]

Re: Theft Prevention

I have known of a few people that have had the cats stolen - so far I have only heard of it on the Tacoma trucks, but I do hear it prevalent among the 4Runners as well. One guy told me he heard his dog barking, looked out the window, saw nothing and ignored it. he figured out the next morning what the barking was all about. I have discussed this at a couple of muffler shops and the problem is that it's easy to crawl under the trucks (especially the ones with lifts) and simply unbolt them - it's easier and quicker than "hacking them off." The solution? For $10-$20, almost any muffler shop can put a weld spot or 2 on the threads behind the nut and most thieves, being the opportunists that they are, will simply move on to look for a simpler target.

From what I've read, most thieves are cutting them off. Seems quicker and easier to me.

 

[Zmtking]

This happened to a friend of my just this morning at work. He has a 2001 Taco, and he came in at 7am, and when he went to lunch he heard that something was wrong but didn't realize what happened until he came back and took a look underneath. Two simple saw cuts between 7, and noon. Probably took less than a minute to take it. The quote from the dealer was roughly $2,200 without knowing the vin#.

There has got to be something that can be done to safeguard our cats. Anyone know what can be done?

 

[SCA]

'97 4R Cat was stolen 02/15/08 while at dinner. This is the first I have ever heard of it.

 

[icantsee]

...Just Consolidating Links & Threads Together...

Catalytic Converters: Thieves Target The Pod Of Precious Metal - Toyota 4Runner & Kia Sportage Are The Running Favorites
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/16/catalytic-converters-thieves-target-the-pod-of-precious-metal/

Stolen In 60 Seconds: The Treasure In Your Car
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23117250/

via Tengu

CatClamp - Security Device For Catalytic Converters
http://www.catclamp.com/catclamp.asp

via jsgreen

Exhaust Part Stolen. What Is It?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35276

Catalytic Converter Theft
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35097

Product To Protect Catalytic Converter
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35307

Stolen Catalytic Converter
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30640

Cat Stolen
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=274630

 

[Tengu]

Thank you

 

[_JT_]

I was surprised when i called my state farm agent about a quote for the 4 runner when he explained the biggest problem that they are having is with Nav systems as expected, and the Catalytic converter. But when Cadmium is 6k per ounce as he said, it makes sense

 

[SCA]

If I known what I now know, I would have avoided the 4R. I like them and we have owned them for 12 years, but this is ridiculous. The police state that the drug addicts are to blame. :cannon:

 

[Even Steven]

... the biggest problem that they are having is with Nav systems as expected...

The agent was probably talking about portable nav systems, correct? Those are a problem with ANY vehicle.

 

[_JT_]

The agent was probably talking about portable nav systems, correct? Those are a problem with ANY vehicle.

I took it as the factory Nav system

 

[Even Steven]

I took it as the factory Nav system

I really doubt that's what he meant. I've never heard of anyone's factory navigation stolen from their 4Runner. I'm sure it has happened before, but it's definitely not common. Portable navigations are easy to steal with a quick smash-and-grab. Happens all the time...