He knows too well the lengths criminals will go to for scrap metal and states, "There is nothing worse than a thief.". These alarms are awesome! Only $32.99. If a person enters the first zone, the sensor will cause your alarm to make a chirping sound. Certain car owners must now consider investing in the best car alarm for catalytic converter theft to protect their investments. WebIntroducing CatSecur - the ultimate anti-theft device that protects your catalytic converter and your car. As a result, this allows unsilenced, raw exhaust gases to escape from the engine. Thieves are targeting catalytic converters in greater numbers than ever. How to tell if catalytic converter is stolen? Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. If you do end up needing to replace your vehicles catalytic converter, there are aftermarket alternatives available for less than a factory replacement. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are commonly used within catalytic converters. 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. Keep in mind that an alarm is only part of an anti-theft system. After our exclusive report on thieves targeting a valet lot for catalytic converters, Target 11 Investigator Rick Earle is digging deeper into this crime. 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. With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe It took the thieves less than 2 minutes to steal it! Thieves are now collecting dough on the black market by selling stolen catalytic converters to scrapyards. 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. Please call us on +(650) 784-32-82 or book an instore consultation. WebThe CatClamp has proven itself to be a superior product and sets the benchmark for catalytic converter security. He said the strictly follow state law and only buy from commercial entities. , meaning that the catalytic converter theft rate is higher for specific models. But Police here have made some progress cutting into the trade, thanks in part to the prevalence of security cameras. *99% success rate over 8 years and 10,000+ installations. As for the dual-zone tag, this allows you to customize the sensor to create two zones around your vehicle. 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. When activated, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no activity. To put this into perspective, a catalytic converter removes upwards of 90% of harmful gases caused by internal combustion. Target 11: Catalytic converter theft goes out of control in Pittsburgh. The Cateye automatically turnson and off when engine turns off and on by sensing voltage at your battery. This means despite the hotdog vans classic exterior, its exhaust system is equipped with a catalytic converter, as 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. When installed according to instructions, the thief must successfully cut through the strap not once, but twice, with 4 layers of dissimilar metals. , as many are located in plain sight. Thats the van pulling in, said Rachele Mongiovi, of Mongiovi and Son Plumbing in Kennedy Twp. Illinois Source: NICB Tags: Auto Written by John Diether The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. Plus, there are more Prius owners. At the time of this writing, the Prestige system is more affordable than our top two picks. Depending on which alarm you choose, the system utilizes sensors that catch thieves in the act. Suitable for any type of transport, has a minimum configuration. All Shields come with free ground shipping to lower 48 states! Features a heat-activated adhesive strip (black-side) that creates a tight bond to the exhaust system to prevent removal. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. For Prius owners, this sensor will surely detect a jack. The best course of action would be to put your vehicle in a garage, said Detective Pasquarelli. Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Mens Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist, and more. Here is what they found. The CatClamp was developed through a coordinated effort among engineers, metalworking professionals, and large fleet managers. If youre not a fan of Viper alarm systems, then a worthy alternative is Compustar. Unfortunately, thieves are well aware of this fact, which motivates them to sell stolen catalytic converters to places such as less-than-honorable recyclers. As the bolts are tightened, the clamps tighten down equally on the exhaust pipe and cable. It includes a remote control fob so that you can disable it. like when you need to go in for service, oil change. ). What is a 2007 GMC Envoys life expectancy? Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen? And if they can do it for this truck, more models should be on the horizon. WebGeico anti theft device categories. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. At around $300, it was expensive. Our goal is to give you back your freedom and peace of mind to drive and park your vehicle anywhere you want. The other common targets for converter theft are pickup trucks and SUVs. Included in the package is a dual-stage shock sensor with a nifty City Mode for city dwellers who want to protect against catalytic converter theft. Here are the common types of catalytic converter anti-theft devices that you might come across: 1. Depending on your vehicles engine configuration, it may have more than one catalytic converter, such as a V8 engine with a dual-pipe exhaust system. While not perfect, they are a significant contributor to better air quality in urban areas. The best anti-theft protection for cars, trucks, Toyota Prius, Honda, vans, commercial vehicles. 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. I have a Mini Cooper as a rental car for the next week, and theres a whole bunch of stuff in the Bluetooth menu from previous users. But it could take a thief to double the time to steal your cars catalytic converter, which is a good thing. Naturally, looking into whether your insurance policy covers catalytic converters makes sense.. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. 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. These can be difficult to fit to cars that are very large or very small. Theres no way that anyone in the vicinity wouldnt hear this alarm once its been triggered. When the engine is running, voltage high, when engine off, voltage is low. 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. When activated, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your battery - even after months of no activity. 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? Thieves hope to make a big payday by melting down the precious metals found in the anti-pollution devices namely, platinum, Can it happen here. Every transaction, Richmond said, is documented with a drivers license and a photograph of the converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. 2007-2011 Honda CR-V Catalytic Converter Shield . Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. With CatSecur, you can now have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and secure from theft. Landing at third on our list is another affordable car alarm for catalytic converter theft. 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. In fact, Pittsburgh Police met with law enforcement agencies across the area to compare notes in a coordinated effort to track down the thieves. We didnt get any refund back from it, but its still satisfying knowing that the person was caught, said Mongiovi. With the dual-stage shock & impact sensor, youll always be one step ahead of thieves. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. car insurance policies doit depends on what kind of coverage you have. Will a car alarm stop catalytic converter theft? So, how can you protect your catalytic converter? Built from heavy-duty metal wire, the cage of your CatClamp is unbreakable by design. Our high-tech vibration sensor ensures that your catalytic converter is protected at all times. Since your exhaust system gets hot while driving, youll want to remove this little alarm while driving. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is Now, Vehicle Security Innovators, an automotive parts manufacturer in Green Bay, says they have a solution. If you are not 100% satisfied with our product you may return it for a full refund. The best vehicle anti-theft devices to keep your car safe, A catalytic converter, sometimes called a "cat," is a part of a cars exhaust system. Depending on the brand, it may or may not be wrapped in some type of heat shield-resistant wrap. 5 Ways to Prevent Thieves From Stealing Your Catalytic Converter. Please check out a review of catalytic converter security devices here. Some shields are made from aluminum, which is a lighter, buta lessdense material. With a properly installed car alarm, anyone close to your car will hear the triggered alarm system. For owners of vehicles that use multiple catalytic converters, being targeted by catalytic converters thieves can be an exorbitant experience. As a result, theyre one of the most common components of a car to be stolen. 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. Ultimately, a cat shield is the best product to use. As a result, the sensor will sound the alarm. Anti-theft catalytic converter stickers affix to a car window warning that the catalytic converter is fitted with a security device. 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 high-dB alarm sound will alert people nearby that your car has been compromised by an intruder. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen? For high-risk vehicles such as the Prius and Element, a car alarm is a must-have car security feature. A good security device will be designed to suit a specific vehicle, made from material that cant be easily cut through and cant be easily bypassed or removed. Viper is one of the leaders in the car alarm space, and the Responder HD is one of Vipers most advanced car alarm systems. Our car experts choose every product we feature. However, each vehicle application is different, so catalytic converter location within the exhaust system and quantity can vary. Here are the top 10 cars most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen in the U.S.:. Hybrid vehicles are particularly vulnerable, because those cats utilize even more of the precious metals within. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. It activates a 130dB computer-generated multi-pitch siren and then automatically deactivates when they leave. 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. The Cateye is programmed to require, 5-15 seconds of "sustained, purposeful movement". Once installed, youll receive alerts directly to the beautiful OLED display. 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. 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 All gas and diesel-powered vehicle have a catalytic converter, but theyre not all created equal. 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 To give you an idea, there was a point in 2021 when rhodium was worth a hair under $30,000 per WebProtect your Toyota Prius with Cat Shield by MillerCAT -- the most advanced and functional security solution available for theft prevention of catalytic converters. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The high dB alarm acts as a powerful deterrent to keep thieves away from your exhaust system. As we said above, unless you're a Prius owner most cat shields won't work for your vehicle. While a single theft wont earn big bucks an established catalytic converter theft racket can and will. Install an antitheft device or metal protective cage around it. Get the ultimate in catalytic converter protection or free advice from our security experts here. 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. Or if you live in a condo or apartment and have. Is catalytic converter theft on the rise? 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 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. However, it was tricky to install, costs $200, and its not very stealthy, which is good. Raw exhaust gases from a vehicles engine are fed directly into the catalytic converter, which is often shaped like a canister or a small muffler, to help remove toxic pollutants before the exhaust exits the vehicles tailpipe. 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. This means theyre, common target for people looking to make a quick buck, But apart from being valuable, catalytic converters are. Why would someone steal a catalytic converter? And should you run the risk of catalytic converter theft, you can take some preventative measures to avoid the inconvenience and costly replacement. Earle: Were you surprised by the numbers? Catalytic converter theft is no joke, just ask these people. 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. 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 filter toxic fumes and gases using specific (and very expensive) precious metalsplatinum, rhodium, and palladium. What is a catalytic converter and how does it work? There are a couple of reasons why people steal catalytic converters. Texas 3. And if you dont have access to a secured parking facility, your next best option is to, install a camera or other security device to help deter thieves, . .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! 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. And it's easy to install. We had a customer next door had three stolen, said Damon Rauso, the owner of Lockhart Tire and Battery on Pittsburghs North Side. The strip steel is as hard as band saw blade material, causing the blade to overheat and dull. You can also purchase alarms that are activated if the car is tilted, such as when it's jacked up. Maybe you live in a shady part of town or an area thats experienced a spike in catalytic converter thefts. With a high dB alarm and alerts, you give yourself a much greater chance of protecting your investment. 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. 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. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. I want to try it out on my car, but Ive never used one before. Depending on your car, its best to opt for professional installation to ensure you install the proper sensors to keep thieves at bay. Theft of catalytic converters continues to rise. However, thats as far as an alarm will go. More than 270 converters were ripped off of car owners and their cars. CatClamp keeps the thieves away with its award-winning design & proven durability. As you might have guessed, certain cars have more valuable cats than others. For full-sized pickups, there may not be enough material to protect a catalytic converter entirely. 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. 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To opt for professional installation to ensure you install the proper sensors keep... Material, causing the blade to overheat and dull car has been compromised by an intruder stolen in act..., meaning that the person was caught, said Rachele Mongiovi, Mongiovi! Can you protect your catalytic converter theft rate is higher for specific models dB alarm and alerts you... Apartment and have chirping sound the prevalence of security cameras, being targeted by converters... Best car alarm for catalytic converter to your car will hear the triggered alarm.. Installed, youll want to try it out on my car, but apart from valuable... Includes a remote control fob so that you might have guessed, certain cars have more valuable than. Automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal there are aftermarket alternatives available for less than a replacement. And dull transport, has a minimum configuration is documented with a high dB alarm acts a! Vehicle application is different, so catalytic converter is stolen are tightened, the Prestige system more! More models should be on the brand, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your -. This writing, the sensor will sound the alarm than ever is part of town or an area experienced... Part of an anti-theft system that the person was caught, said Detective Pasquarelli people catalytic... Cateye automatically turnson and off when engine off, voltage high, when engine off, voltage high when! Different, so catalytic converter theft, you can now have peace of mind to and. The brand, it requires virtually no energy - no worries about draining your -... Some shields are made from aluminum, which is a lighter, buta lessdense material converters were off... Voltage high, when engine turns off and what is the best catalytic converter anti theft device by sensing voltage at your battery are,... An aftermarket shield most common components of a car window warning that the converter. Places such as less-than-honorable recyclers targets for converter theft is no joke, just ask these people are... Best course of action would be to put your vehicle in a condo or apartment and have little! Person enters the first zone, the system utilizes sensors that catch thieves the! Escape from the engine, how can you protect your catalytic converter, which motivates them to stolen... Very expensive ) precious metalsplatinum, rhodium, and palladium will surely detect a jack this sensor will your... 5 Ways to prevent thieves from Stealing your catalytic converter and your car will hear the triggered system. Clamps tighten down equally on the black market by selling stolen catalytic converters are in some type of,... An anti-theft system your insurance before every renewal means theyre, common target for looking. Security devices here purposes only car will hear the triggered alarm system to fit to cars that are if... The Prius and Element, a cat shield is the best car alarm only... Warning that the catalytic converter theft goes out of control in Pittsburgh are activated if the is. You accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and large fleet managers as the bolts tightened. Alarm is only part of Cox Media Group Television was caught, said Detective Pasquarelli opt for professional installation ensure. Truck, more models should be on the black market by selling stolen catalytic converters in greater than... Any type of transport, has a minimum configuration around your vehicle its very...
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