Catalytic converter theft
I am now officially a victim, and I'm writing to warn you -- watch out for catalytic converter thieves. They just might be roaming your neighborhood tonight.I've written a lot about Moose, my 1994 Toyota 4Runner. Well, today I hopped in the driver's seat ready for a trip to the dog park, and when I turned the ignition I immediately knew that something was wrong. Moose's normally placid exhaust note was replaced by a blat that sounded like an unmufflered motorcycle. I turned off the key, and went to investigate. Sure enough, I found four bolts and an exhaust hanger on the ground under my SUV. Someone had crawled underneath, unbolted my catalytic converter and absconded.
I had to laugh at the irony of the situation. Just this weekend, I had mentioned this article from the Los Angeles Times to Aaron Gold, About.com's Guide to Cars, while we were doing a little bit of work on his car. Apparently, catalytic converter theft is an epidemic across the country because the price of platinum, one of the metals in the converter, has skyrocketed. Thieves can get $40 to $50 for a converter from an unscrupulous scrap metal dealer. Toyota 4Runners are particular targets -- not only do their catalytic converters contain plenty of platinum, their high ground clearance makes them particularly easy targets. A thief with a socket wrench can remove a 4Runner's converter in minutes.
When I called the police to report the crime, Officer Padilla told me that I was the second victim in the area this week. My insurance agent told me that his girlfriend's 4Runner was stripped in a department store parking lot; the service manager at the Toyota dealership called it "an epidemic."
The bad news is that it's going to cost over $1100 to affect the repair and replacement. The worse news is that there's not much I can do to protect against another theft. I'm having the dealership weld the bolts on, so that the converter won't be so easy to remove. But a thief with a reciprocating saw can still swipe a cat in no time flat.
I guess Moose has finally earned that spot in the garage that he's been coveting for so long. At least until I can install an alarm on his catalytic converter.
A word to the wise -- keep an eye on your 4Runner. Park in your garage at home, park in conspicuous spots at malls and department stores. Keep an ear out for your alarm, and check your insurance coverage to make sure that you don't get burned. Let's hope that the police can put some pressure on scrap metal dealers to kill the market for these parts before catalytic converter theft spins completely out of control.
Have you been the victim of catalytic converter theft? Click on "comments" below and share your story.
Photo © Jason Fogelson
Comments
I haven’t been a victim of theft — but had I known old converters were worth so much, I wouldn’t have thrown away the old one from the Red Scare (my trusty old Honda CRX) after I replaced it a couple of years ago. I live close to Jason’s neighborhood; lucky for me the CRX doesn’t have much ground clearance, but if the thieves figure out how to train earthworms to use socket wrenches, ol’ Red and I could be in a bit of trouble.
Now, all that said, the work Jason and I were doing was replacing a door on my wife’s car. She was nailed by a hit-and-run driver who turned his (her?) lights off and sped away. No license plate number, which means no coverage from uninsured motorist insurance. What ever happened to honesty?
– Aaron - Cars Guide
Yup, they just got cat off my 98 4Runner. Mine doesn’t have an affectionate name, but I’m still pretty peeved.
My converter was stolen (’93 Toyota 4WD); didn’t report it. Cost me $150 for replacement plus $100 for sensor. Why was my repair so inexpensive?
I haven’t lost a converter yet but my ‘00 Tundra has all the ground clearance of a 4-Runner. Come to think of it, most Toyota trucks prior to the current generation were pretty tall. Well boys, better keep our eyes open and a baseball bat handy. Aaron it’s fairly likely that the hit-and-run driver didn’t have insurance or a license thus their need to run that way. At least that’s what I guessed after it happened to me. Sorry to hear it, dude.
A further update on my cat situation — got Moose back from the dealer yesterday, and the final bill was $1,281.85.
$1,115.85 in parts, $91.00 in labor plus $75.00 for welding and $92.06 in tax.
I hope that the welding will keep my cat safe against the quickie theft — they will have to make some noise to get my parts next time. And I’ll be ready.
Well my Cat’s were swiped sometime during a sunny Saturday while at work, between 10:30am and 6:pm CST. I called the police that night, who could do nothing but take the report. I then turned in my ‘03 tundra to the dealer for repairs the following Monday. A week later and $3,000 lighter (befor my deductable) I’m back up and running. However, my next expense this week will be an alarm system. Then, I’ll be thinking up ways to rig up something to prevent or slow them down next time. I have read several articles online, and have received numerous suggestion’s on how to protect them to prevent the theft from occuring, but nothing solid. TAKE NOTE You ‘07 Tundra and ‘08 Sequia owner’s!!! - You have 4 catalytic converter’s under your chasis, regardless of single or dual exhaust. Keep an eye on them.
Just had mine stolen the other night. Woke up and got ready for work, hopped in my ‘94 4runner and turned ‘er on.. I couldn’t believe how loud it was. I turned it off and checked underneath, and sure enough, I was missing my cat converter. It’ll cost me $350 to replace the muffler, cat and flex pipe cause they cut it clean off rather than just unbolting it. At least I’ll save on labor, me and an ex-mechanic friend are gonna fix it ourselves. Maybe I’ll engrave it with my name and a serial number or something. An alarm sounds like a good idea, something that’ll react to weird vibrations. Anyway, be warned.. this could happen to anyone.
got mine nissian xterra looking at about 1600 to fix had to pay 500 deductable and turn into insurence. i had only left suv for a short period of time at local mall came out to leave and was baffled by the sudden loud noise i have never herd of such a crime till today i saw an ad in the winston salem nc. papper about this same subject.talk with a freind telling me that in va. there was a car lot that had 18 taken off new cars in one night
Go to catclamp.com keeps your cat on your Toyota. U-Haul is putting them on their trucks. They must work.
We had ours stolen this past Sunday from our beloved 98 Toyota 4-Runner while we were in church for an hour. The police here in Charlotte NC say the problem is rampant and that churches are targeted because they know the owner won’t be back for an hour. We now have to spend $2500 (hopefully insurance will cover some of it)that could have gone to a much better cause.
We had our Cat Conv stolen/cut off ou 4rnr during lunch this Sunday between 11am and 12 noon. In daylight on a busy street. My mechanic installed an aftermarket convertor and now I’m out a little under 350. Find a local shop to hopefully get it replaced inexpensively. Recyclers should not enable the purchase of convertors from certain individuals.
Say it ain’t so, Jason! This sounds like a really bad, low-rent movie from some desperately poor foreign republic . . . takes me back to the days when a new in-dash radio/cassette player was an open invitation to have your windows smashed and return to the sight of dangling wires. So sorry for the ‘cat’ loss.
They got my 2000 cherokee’s cat converter with a sawzall yesterday, in broad daylight in a metro parking lot in West Hyattsville MD (suburan DC). Was told it was third one in two weeks - - all easily accessible SUVs
Had an experience with this just tonight at the Fullerton Amtrak Train station,(in Southern California.) Walked back to my 2002 4Runner with a friend and unknowingly caught them in the act! We had parked in a long term covered structure that supposedly had some “security”. We didn’t realize what was going on or that anything was wrong until I started the car and it sounded like the Indy 500 starting line. Suddenly there was a guy whose head popped up crouching up in front of my car and I yelled at him and honked the horn. He pretended to be a homeless guy sleeping and we didn’t think too much about him until later. They had cut the rubber things on the sides and removed all of the back bolts, with the front bolts still in place. A very helpful auto repair guy we drove to a few blocks away replaced the bolts so I could get home and recommended getting the connections welded together. Hopefully that will make a little bit more difficult for these a-holes who are doing this. Looking back on it hopefully the guy went deaf after the noise of the car and my horn.
Wow, JC — that’s the most brazen story I’ve heard so far. I hope you reported the attempted theft to the police. We’ve got to put some pressure on law enforcement to help out with this epidemic, or nothing will change.
Yes, we reported it to the po… they already knew who had done it, they’d been looking out for this particular ring. I was so bummed to find out that my car is a favorite choice for this theft. I seriously am freaked about going anywhere! This is crazy and a very sad commentary on our society - that people are doing this. It really pisses me off that if someone steals this unit from my car it’s gonna cost me 800-1200 bucks to replace it. Give me a break, I’m a poorly paid elementary school teacher! I saw online that someone has invented a “cat security device” apparently welding doesn’t deter the thieves with the little saw that allows them to remove the entire unit in under 5 minutes. Wow, just wow.
Yes — I found this: http://catclamp.com/catclamp.asp
The CatClamp, which claims to guard against catalytic converter theft. I’m trying to get in contact with the company so that I can give you more information as to cost, installation time, etc. I’ll report back as soon as I hear more.
I’ve heard more stories about the cat converter thefts that are apparently rampant around the country! Any info here about anti-theft devices, car security alarms that will prevent this theft would be appreciated. It’s probably better to pay a few hundred for the prevention than 800-1200 for a new converter! thanks
My ‘99 toyota tacoma got nailed the other night, but luckily the guy did a pretty clean job. Its only costing me 184 bucks to replace the converter which i’m putting on myself. i think i’d rather not weld it, sounds like it would cost more if they cut it off.
I hadn’t driven my truck (’96 Nissan) since end of December. Just last weekend I needed to use it, after jump starting it (it had been sitting for 5 weeks!
, I heard the roar of a low flying aircraft and thought: “%$#@! Somethings wrong with the exhaust.” Sure was… A two foot section of my exhaust was missing along with the catalytic converter! And it’s been parked in front of my house the whole time. >:-(
Yep. in Carrollton, Texas. At the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Center parking lot. 4Runner, with a saw. Thought the car was going to blow up when I started it. Jerks.
Had mine stolen from my ‘93 4-Runner here in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, in the afternoon in broad dayligtht from the parking lot at the office. My Toyota dealer says that they get at least 4 a week now to replace. One was actually taken from thier own lot ! Getting to be of epidemic proportions. I ordered a Catcalmp from http://catclamp.com/catclamp.asp Working with Jim Dusa there has been great. Will put it on this weekend. That should solve the problem. Just a sign of the times I guess. Sad to say…
I have a catering business in Mableton, GA. We have 15 vans. When arriving to work on the second Monday in January, we had 11 of the 15 vans striped of their cat converters. Three of our newer vans had double converters. It was a $9000 loss and insurance only paid $1500 because we had a $1000 deductible on each van. We did all the right things at the office. We have a six foot fence with barbed wire, extra lighting and a camera system. It has really put a damper on the first of the year. What makes you feel so helpless is that they could come back and do the same thing again. They were in and out in 45 minutes. They cut all of ours out.
I went out to Tammy, my Jeep Grand Cherokee this morning to see my tailpipe lying on the ground. Sure enough, I found out, someone had used a saw to saw the Cat. Conv. straight off. S, now $1100+ later, what do I do to protect myself from this happening again? Is there anything?
My boss had the converter stolen while in the work office. She gave me a warning and since that time parked in the lot. Well this morning Brittany and I am now members of the catalytic converter theft club! She was right outside of the house, and made a horrible noise when started. Instantly I knew what was wrong. So Mary it seems like thieves also like the Jeep Cherokee.
As I write this I am waiting for my tow, and a return call from my insurance company. I too am not sure about welding a cage around the converter, but it is an idea. Now listen to this. My boss told me to never back into a spot, and to park in a visible area. She also says to be aware of large trucks parked next to your vehicle, with the hood up. While you think the driver is repairing their car, another person is actually under yours sawing the converter off. This may now be a reason to build a garage.
I was got last night 02-20-08 and I was not aware that this had been going on in our quiet little area but it just goes to show you that the world is an oyster that is just waiting for someone to grab your pearl.
So to those that don’t want to be a victim sleep with on eye open.
Stay safe all
My son attends school at University Tennesse, Knoxville, and I got a call last night at 11:15 from campus police. A student walking by saw the thief under his 1993 4-runner and ran him off. I’m not sure what it will cost to repair, but the Toyota dealer here in Chattanooga said it’s the fourth one this week, and it’s only Tuesday! Most are being taken off vehicles in parking garage where they can work out of the open. Watch Out!
Broad daylight. 7 AM to 2 PM. Plenty of passer-bys, including Sheriffs Deputies! 2003 Nissan Truck. Cat stole. Phx Az.
Advised by Police not to drive it home as it may damage the engine.
A reputable welding and fabrication company in Toledo, OH. has a new patented theft deterrent designed just for catalytic converters . It makes too much work for the thieves in a hurry. The CatClamp is the only security system on the market designed exclusively to fight catalytic converter theft. It was in Newsweek online in January 09, 2008. Go to Catclamp.com the CatClamp is much cheaper than repairing a vehicle after catalytic converter theft.
We returned from vacation to find NO TRUCK at the hotel that we left it at. 1985 Toyota 4X4…stolen. Middle of the night…no way home. The truck was recovered a couple days later…door lock and ignition punched…and the Cat Converter missing. The thief was nice enough to leave the car in a secure lot with the doors locked when he was done. Gee thanks!
i have a beat-up ‘94 maxima that i leave near a subway when i go to work thinking nobody would touch it…they got me the other evening…time to break-out my bicycle.
97 4Runnder had the cat professionally cut off with a reciprocating saw.. Tuesday night in the middle of a storm right outside of my house (nice neighborhood). Who ever stole it was a really nice person because they left the sensors and all it’s gonna cost is $600.. Just makes me angry because if I would have woken up and seen it my bail would of costed more…
I am shocked at how many stories are pouring in about cat theft. I really had no idea, and I’m surprised that there isn’t more coverage in the media, and more action by the authorities. Protect your vehicles, folks — and if you do get stung, be sure and report the theft to the police, and demand follow-up! The only way this will stop is if the authorities start to clamp down on the real thieves — the scrap metal dealers who are buying our stolen catalytic converters.
Happened last night in Orange County, CA on my driveway. Quiet, safe neighborhood. The Police collected the nuts and bolts for DNA testing. Yes- it’s become that big of a problem in this area. These s***heads will be caught.
It happened to me tonight. The officer had an attitude about filling out the report because “it’s JUST a theft”.
Well it’s more than just a theft to me… because I don’t know how I am going to come up with the money to replace it. I work so hard, and for what?
I, like everyone else, went to my 2003 Toyota Tacoma this Monday morning to find the truck sounding awful. I am so angry that someone would do this! Get your own stuff. I reported it to the Nashville Police and am waiting on a response. I am going to check out the catclamp, I just wonder if it will be another company taking advantage of people in need and overpricing the unit. It looks quality enough, but would it really deter someone? I have already been taken by somebody unwillingly, I just hope that the catclamp isn’t going to to be unreasonably pricey!
I recently moved to a more upscale neighborhood in Dallas. One week after getting here I went to start my Toyota Tacoma truck and it made the same noise my cousin’s car made when he cut off his muffler on purpose. I called several mechanics and the end result was $350 in damages and $100 in rental fees. This is outrageous!
Two days ago, three vehicles had their cats taken. Two vehicles were jeep cherokees, the third vehicle make is unknown. This happened on a supposedly secure parking lot at work, broad daylight, camera patrolled and lots of people walking back and forth. Lucky for me my insurance is covering it 100% becuase the creeps used a Sawzall to cut it off, so now I may need a complete new exhaust system.
Got a call from my mom, telling me her 1996 dodge ram van was sounding like a race car. I wen over and checked it out, sure enough the cat was cutoff in a Pace parking lot in Blue Island, IL. Gonna cost 400 to fix and some welding on my part. Its happening all over I guess
DUDE!! I was shopping,during my lunch hour and they stole my converter right in front of me! They parked next to my car made it seem like they were working on their car and it wasn’t until I turned on my car that I noticed something was wrong because my car sounded like a super loud Harley. Anywho, beware and report anything suspicious! write down the license plate or take pictures with your cell - please be on the lookout. Btw, my car is a ‘95 4runner:o(
Nancy, that is the most outrageous story I’ve heard so far. I hope that you reported the theft to your local police — that’s the only way we’re going to have any impact at all on this problem. Sorry to hear about your 4Runner. I feel your pain.
Mine just got stolen today
1995 4runner
2 others in the same lot were stolen.
Bolts on the floor
I would never have the stealership put mine back on, I am going to just put a cheapie that is not worth much in there and weld it on.
Theres really nothing we can do…
It feels like you have been molested..
Mine got swiped this morning. I work for Starbucks and the hubby and I own our own business. We stayed at the business last night cuz we had a lot of work to do and I had to open (445 am). About 330 my hubby wakes me up and says he hears a saw. We call the po-po, and see some shadowy figures further up in the parking lot. Takes the cops FOREVER to get there. In the mean time, the hubby says that he hears something right outside our door! Like somebody dropped something. The cops get here, the saw stops. They, of course, can’t find anything. It’s now 430 and I have to go to work. I start the van with the cop there, and there’s the sound! THEY GOT MINE TOO! FROM RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!!! Lucky for them we never saw them, my kids were in the studio, and so was my 357. I doubt that I would shoot for a CAT, but with the kids inside, you never know. I was LIVID. So now I have to start the phone calls to find out how much these little *&^%*s are gonna cost me. Anywho, they got 2 of us in the lot, and the po po says that they have been after these guys for weeks. As soon as they left, a dark pickup truck in reverse comes flying into the lot, stops, one guy runs into the bushes, presumably to get his saw back, and they take off. Punks.
My pet ‘94 T100 was savaged yesterday by a maggot using a reciprocating hacksaw - took the catalytic converter. The theft was in broad daylight in a train station parking lot just feet from busy Rt 1 in Laurel, Maryland. Same ol’ sob story - turned key, startled by loud noise, called cops. This morning, an officer called to say they’ve recovered a catalytic converter which someone was attempting to sell at a scrap yard. If the cuts match, someone goes to jail!
The Toyota Cat’verter recovered by the police didn’t come from my T100 - it was probably from a late model Tacoma. Lacking a theft report, they couldn’t match the cat’verter to another victim and the perp goes free. If the cuts had matched, the police captain had three eager patrolmen were ready to serve an arrest warrant on the suspect. Man, those officers looked terribly disappointed - they wanted to put the knucklehead in jail. So, please call the cops if your vehicle is burglarized or you see something suspicious. The cops hate bad guys and love putting them in jail. Repair bill? $1531
they almost got it. my wife came home from work, parked in shopping mall all day, and said the tacoma was running bad/engine light on. I found the pipe cut, O2 wires cut, and the heat sheild bent up. the pos must have got scared off. easy fix this time with the millermatic.
Arrived at work at 9:00 am. Busy parking lot of large retail store. I leave for lunch at 12:00 pm and get a god-awful sound when I turn the key of my 2003 F-150 5.4 V8. I manage to drive about 5 miles to the ford dealership, where I was informed that my CAT had been stolen. Cost $165.00 to replace at local muffler shop. I would have gladly paid triple that amount to catch that ass crumb underneath my truck. I would have broken both legs, ran him over, and then peeled out on his brain.
Sorry. I was a little pissed.
I own a 1996 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 in Tempe, AZ, and just had my catalytic converter stolen, in addition to the oxygen sensors.
The thieves weren’t nice enough to use the socket-method — they just used the reciprocating saw and cut out a 4ft section of my exhaust pipe. The way they cut things up, the mechanic has to replace everything behind the exhaust manifold — at a cost of about $2,100.
Oh yeah, and my truck was the 3rd vehicle the mechanic had seen with that problem in just TWO DAYS.
Another mechanic described it as an epidemic, and the police officer taking my report had seen enough of these that he could tell me which makes and models have been hit hardest.
Contact your state legislators to further criminalize scrap-metal purchases of catalytic converters!
Just had mine stolen off of my brand-new CR-V from my work parking lot in Durham, NC. They hit two other cars in a lot that is patrolled by security guards.
Got in my ‘97 4runner this morning and started it up. Then I looked around to see where the low flying cessna came from. No plane, just missing my cat and have a damaged muffler. Repair shop tells me $2500. Luckily insurance will cover most of it. Happened in Mesa, AZ.
I’m a victim! Happened to my 2000 Toyota 4Runner at the Louisiana Transit Center Park & Ride in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. It’s gonna be +$2000 to repair. Second theft of the same vehicle at the same Park n’ Ride. MetroTransit ought to do something to better seure the Park and Rides.
Mine was stolen last night from my 1995 4Runner. A muffler shop is going to replace it for a little over $100 with a cat converter that apparently does not have the metals in it, but still works just as well.
I had mine stolen off a 2001 Chevy Venture Van a couple of weeks ago in Seffner, Florida while it was parked at a county park that doubles as a Park & Ride location. It was just over $800 for the repair with insurance picking up all except about $333 and $16 for the rental car. They cut it off; I was missing about 2 feet of pipe under the vehicle.
I just had my catcon taken from my ‘94 4Runner yesterday in the middle of the day. Parked it in our school parking lot at 7:30am and came out at 3:30pm, and it was gone!
Had my stolen off my 2002 Tacoma about 4 months ago, they left the metal cutting saw blades under the truck. I went to Checker Auto and bought a universal catalytic converter for about $70.00 and paid $100.00 to get it welded on. Apparently the original one is worth alot more than the universal one that I bought.
In the daylight of 4/23 my car was hit by this crime I have a 86 volvo LOW to the ground and it was parked in the hospital lot ( where I work) some yahoo took a saw cut the back and was half way thru the front but was caught by 2 employees leaving he managed to get away but not before breaking his blade off in my exhaust. grrrr what the heck my cat is OLD dang drugies anyway “get a real job”
had one cat cut out of my 05 Tundra in broad daylight yesterday 4/22. Used a sawzall. Location Metro park & ride 105 fwy & Lakewood in LA. Will cost 2500 (took some pipe w/ an O2 sensor as well). Good thing I have insurance.
Wow, i work nights in new orleans at ochsner hospital. i parked in a lot across the street from the hospital. what a surprise to hear my 2001 tacoma pickup sound like a tank when i cranked it up. why does the po-po let this S#@^ have a market? toyota told me $1000 but the guy recomended i go to a muffler shop where they can do it for much less.
Mine is 05 Malibu CLassic~!!
This is an ordinary automatic sedan and got stolen…in my apartment complex, there were 5 malibues and theirs were gone overnight as well.
sounds sweet doesn’t it~?
my 2003 malibu was overheating and leaking coolant, so I parked it overnight in front of a liquor store (that had security cameras). It was parked from 11pm to 11am and then I got it towed to a shop, and when it was being unloaded we noticed the cut pipe. It was a clean cut made by a saw. I was pretty much asking for it parking it there overnight, but I feel much better paying my $100 deductible for theft rather than having blown a gasket - turns out my radiator hose was busted, that’s why my car was overheating. I called the liquor store 2 days later because I couldn’t remember the name of the store and had to search for it online. Of course, by then the tapes had looped and taped over whatever might have been on there from the night they got my cat!
They got mine off my ‘97 Jeep Cherokee Friday night in Falls Church, VA. Had been at the radiator shop for some minor repairs, and they parked it on a side street overnight. Called us Saturday morning to pick it up, and we heard that god-awful noise when we started it up. I hadn’t heard about the market in stolen catalytic converters before, but I am well aware now! Luckily, I have only $250 deductible on my insurance, as the shop states it will be over a grand to repair AND that they are not responsible for damage to any vehicles left with them!
A thief attempted to cut off the converter Monday night on a delivery truck parked at my business in southeast Alabama. It appears they used a hacksaw which was not quick work. I figured gas siphoning would come first, so I put locks on all delivery vehicle tanks. In alabama, the copper thieves have hit hard (AC systems) and state passed law for scrap metal places not to pay cash, must leave name and address and money is mailed to you. It appears to be a deterrent.
I hhad mine stolen last night in the San Fernando valley, near Los Angeles.
It was a ‘98 Nissan Frontier, and they took the entire exhaust from the catalytic converter aft. And estimnate of parts from the dealer is ~$1,000 or more.
I only hope they get tetnus.
Just had mine stolen the other night in Los Angeles. Like most of everyone else’s experience, it was a Toyota. I’m in between jobs right now and this is exactly what I need. Thanks Bush, thanks economy and thank you California.
Report these crime to the police so they know its a problem in your area.
Officially today May 2,2008 I am a victim of a stolen catalytic converter on my Chevy 2002 blazer. Whoever stole my converter is a complete low life.. i can laugh about it now, but karma will bite back.
just had visited my daughter in baltimore she said her 2004 ford escape was making a loud noise we looked and someone had tried to cut her cat loose but must have gotten scared off. This is low, whats next gas !!
Just had mine stolen from my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, in Chicago. Waiting on the estimate, but it doesn’t look like it will be cheap. File a police report, then file a claim with your insurer. Still, it stinks.
The past weekend my mother’s 95 toy pick-up catalytic converter was saw off in front of her house in Santa Ana, California. I don’t know if the catclamp.com can stop these guys, maybe slow them down… These guy used a portable metal blade saw. I just hope the police put some presure on the scrap yard then these thiefs don’t have a place to sell the cat so then this issue will be solve…
Went in to work @ 07:30. Got in my ‘97 4Runner @ 13:00..VAROOOM!!!! Just got back from the muffler shop $500 lighter. They sawzalled my cat and the rear O2 sensor. Shop said it was third one they saw today! Taken in large, open parking lot for office complex.
got mine sawed off last night 96′ toyota t100.
Mine got swiped when parking in a High School faculty parking lot. I live in the Phoenix area. This really tee’s me off. I’m sure newer models will come out with some type of cat protector. Doesn’t do me much good. If anyone has bought and used the catclamp, please advise.
Today, I became a victim at a Park and Ride.
got mine stolen today at ucsd parking lot in la jolla, ca. a hot girl in the same parking lot got hers stolen too. i have an alarm on my car but apparently it didnt scare them off. cost me $410.
I got mine stolen from my 1995 Honda Accord!!! Heard them take off from my driveway out in a peaceful country neighborhood. Found by police day later without a stereo & cat.
I wish I would of seen them. Makes me angry.
Theif tried to get the cat converter off of my 98 Tacoma two nights ago. Luckily one of the bolts was stripped and they couldn’t finish the job. I put it back together but feel like they are just going to be back again since Tacomas are such an easy mark.
Nissan frontier xe, sawed off at work. and a week before inspection too.
Got ours taken from our 1998 4Runner at a Park & Ride in a Seattle suburb in a busy area in broad daylight! They used a saw. They also got 2 other 4Runners which happened to be parked side by side. The news channel did a story on it tonight with us at our mechanics to warn people it’s an epidemic. Will cost almost $1700 to repair. Apparently they hit a Toyota dealer in Kirkland WA recently. Who knew??
Sorry to hear about all the thefts. I work at a Midas in Seattle and I have been seeing at least 1 car a week that they are stealing the cats out of. The only hope for protection is an alarm that senses vibration. I have seen them cut through stainless steel air gap pipe (one of the toughest metals to cut through) with a
sawz-all/reciprocating saw. Now we’re actually seeing thieves siphon gas out of cars too, along with the converter. Make sure you report it to the police and your insurance. There has got to be a stop to this sooner or later.
I’m a high school student in Ohio. I got my catalytic converter sawed right off of my ‘98 Toyota 4Runner in broad daylight. It had to happen in the senior parking lot while I was in class because it didn’t make that loud noise this morning. These thefts want that part for platinum, I’ve heard. I called the cops and filed a report and the cop said just the day before, there had been 4 reports of the same incident.
at my hospital, there were 4 victims on a monday DURING the day time - all 4-runners. At a local Toyota dealership, ALL 4 runners had their catalytic converters taken . . . it made it on the local news! All this just happened over a 3-day time period.
My converter was stolen yesterday from the parking lot of my office sometime between 12pm and 3pm. 97 Toyota Tacoma. When I went to the repair shop, there was another Tacoma already there for the same reason. They only got one of my O2 sensors so my repair is going to be a little under $600. If yards quit buying them, maybe junkies will quit stealing them.
This just happened to my little brother’s 4Runner yesterday in Sacramento, Ca. This is a new low.
05 Tundra, $1800. Toyota dealer said they have seen 100+ thefts this year alone. I guess its the economy.
Just had my C.C. stolen from my 4 Runner at a work parking lot on Friday. The mechanic who will be replacing it said I was his 3rd customer this weekend–all 4 Runners! By the way, I had a used (I assume) replacement installed for only $150.00
I live in Baltimore on a quiet residential street. Don’t drive the 4Runner every day, maybe only once a week. Sometime last week thieves sawed the converter off. Finally got an appointment with the mechanic and he phoned me this morning with news. Comprehensive insurance will cover the loss (mostly), but I still feel vulnerable. The thieves, when they see it again, they will know it now has a new one. Filed a police report.
My 1992 4 Runner was a victim while parked in my driveway last evening. Please be aware the Police cannot do anything but do NOT fail to report the theft so a record is documented.
i am a victim also parked my vehicle at duffield park and ride thursday morning to go to work got back that evening jumped in truck started it up sounded like a jet. some idiot stole mine in broad day light this is a shame that these people dont have anything else to do but steal off someone elses vehicle cost $2300 to fix be careful where you park your toyota
I have a 1993 Geo Storm! I was getting it painted, and my cat was stolen from the locked fenced area. Mine and a Kia. Guess those druggies are getting skinnier!
It happened to me in Wicker Park in Chicago this morning. –Mine is a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic and they sawed the cat right off. I took it to a mechanic and he said there was nothing he could do to prevent it from happening again. It sucks — $458 for someone to make $50!!! What’s even worse is because I live in the city, random street parking is my only option. Any ideas of how to prevent this besides parking in a garage?
I just got hit today. Unbolted and gone in just a few minutes. In broad daylight no less. When and how can the people who buy these stolen CC’s be nailed? Need a hi-temp LoJack for these things.
I had mine taken off my 94 chevy baretta right out of the parking lot of olive garden where i work. Sawed off. Called police and they say its going on all up and down beechmont ave. In cincinnati. Particularly restraunts. How in the hell can these people take them to scrap yards and not get questioned? My daughter just had her ears operated on and cant stand to be in my car anymore its so loud, and i cant afford to fix it. -jen-foley06@hotmail.com
Add our Toyota 4 Runner to the list. Quiet, relatively safe Oakland, California neighborhood, on a residential street. Filed a police report. Makes us want to sell the car….
4/47/08 - Just had my catalytic converter stolen from my 4-Runner in broad daylight in an open parking lot where I work in Florence, Kentucky(south of Cincinatti, OH). The converter was cut off. I only wish I was able to catch them… I will do what it takes to protect my property. May have video. Stay tuned.
One more - did you see on the tri-state news that they stealin man hole covers too? Those things weigh like 200 lbs. Same deal, scrap yard. Dont you think if they get dropped off the metro infront of the scrap yard w 5 cats and a man hole cover, not to mention the reel of powerline, where do they draw the line and start thinking, um maybe that stuff isnt theirs! Whats next? Banging head against wall- jen foley
I had my second catalytic converter stolen Sunday night (5/25/08)from my 2000 4Runner on my driveway. The first one was stolen from the City Hall parking lot around 2:00 pm on July 9, 2007. It cost about $2,500 to replace all the parts. I don’t know what to do. I have no other car and short on money. WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY SUV IF I DO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER
If you live in a state where U do not have vehicle inspections, and the vehicle is paid for. My suggestion if your converter gets stolen is just pipe it back (leave out the converter) it will improve performance and mileage.
No downstream oxygen sensor needed when i dont need an e-check. Brilliant!
We also live a very nice, quiet part of Oakland and our Cat was skillsawed off of our 92′ Tercel. That was one skinny crackhead!
just had my cc stolen and i am currently working on getting it repairted
I had my cc stolen last night while I was getting my hair done. I have 91 toyota forerunner and welding the bolts does no good they used a recipercating saw and made two clean cuts in broad day light in a strip mall parking lot. Thank goddness my husband is a mechanic but who has the money to spare and hope it doesn’t happen again. oh yea it happened in Sacramento, CA
Just paid $126.00 for new converter on “86″ Toyota pick up. They cut mine off during the night right in front of the house in a quiet neighborhood in Garden Grove, CA. The Muffler Shop told me the new one does not contain platinum and the little theives that stole it should not be interested in this one. I hope he’s right. I did file a police report. This happened to my sister in Buena Park, CA two months ago as well.
99 4-Runner - Had Catalytic Converter stolen while parked on parking lot of employer. Surveillance camera caught theft. Isn’t easy to watch. Couple faked car repair with their hood up behind 4-Runner…cut and gone in 5 minutes. Dealership replacement cost… just under $2,000. This is why I believe in the death penalty.
Had my CC stolen last night from my brand new Hyundai Tucson. 900 to repair.
Had mine stolen last week.
In Chicago
Parked at the commuter lot and returned to a car sounding like aircraft. My car was a Honda CRV (OLD!!), and the creeps used a saw. Will find out $ damage tomorrow.
Yep! been a victim just this morning in San Francisco. When I called the nearby muffler shop that asked if it happened in the area and said that it has been happening a lot. They even had a repeat customer! So I will also have it welded or weld a frame around it. My Toyota truck is old so the repair is $285 but I can’t keep paying that often.
I just had my 1995 4runner converter stollen or just cut out in san Leandro. I don’t know the cost yet. I will get the cheapest replacement — as if gas doesn’t cost enough?
Just great! So I go to work the night shift at a large metropolitan hospital with security patrolled employee parking. Work all night in the OR saving lives, start my car up in the morning and it sounds like an explosion. Limp along to the mechanic who tells me they sawed off my catalytic convertor,to the tune of $1000.00. My 1998 Toyota 4 runner and I am very angry!
Check out the CATCUFF. It’s a quality, American made product that locks up a catalytic converter to the frame of the vehicle so that it simply cannot be removed. It’s a one-size fits all product that is easy to install with household tools. The CATCUFF is tougher than nails and is only one-eighth the cost of other catalytic converter anti-theft products, but with even more metal-thief thwarting deterrence and no annoying rattling or vibration. You can learn more at http://www.catcuff.com
Woah is me here in Berkeley California.
Yup, it happened to me just yesterday. I went out to start my car and BOOM, it sounded like a bomb went off. All my neighbors came running out to see what happened. We all thought I had a hole in my muffler. I was able to limp my Toyota 4 runner over to the Toyota dealer, and as I drove in my mechanic smiled at me. I got out of the car and said I think I have a hole in my muffler and he said no dear, your catalytic converter has been stolen. He peeked under the car, and came up looking grim. They had done it with a saw, and damaged my entire exhaust system. The whole thing has to be replaced to the tune of over $2,500! Luckily I’m fully insured and it will only cost me $100 and a few days of misery without my car. On the bright side, I’m not paying over $4/gallon for the next few days!
The police officer I spoke with said there’s basically nothing I can do since I live in an apartment and park on the street. I’m a sitting duck…and it’s hunting season.
We have two 15 passenger vans at my church we use to pick kids and adults up with and two weeks ago one of their converters were stolen. once I got in I heard a huge rumble! So I looked and saw what was a clean job! I got into the other van it was fine. A week later I got into it again and heard that same rumble! It’s an epidemic! I’m convinced! We are a church for crying out loud. We give back to the community every day serving free breakfast in the morning to the homeless. This is what you do to us…no to God! God knows people He is the ultimate avenger!
just this past week-end in someone cut off the cat of a Infiniti SUV. It was strapped down on a car carrier, ready for delivery. the 3 precious metals in it brings $40-$50 her in LA but down in Mexico more. there are aftermarket ones for $200 or so installed, but it’s a hassle to waste so much time buying it and welding it back on. Mostly SUVs and higher clearance vehicles.
Heard the news last week and then it happened to me. Had mine cut off my Toyota Tacoma at the Kent Des Moines Park and Ride in Washington, with a security guard 6 spots away, SLEEPING! Metro needs to hire some competent Americans!! Don’t park in a park and ride and ride Metro Buses!! Am now investing in the deterrent others have mentioned. If they would have unbolted it, I would have saved about $1,500. It’s costly at $3,000 to fix it all. They cut too far up, into my O2 sensor area and it all had to be replaced.
I went fishing for 3 hours,. i parked close to the wide open boat launch. when i was cicling the lake on my boat, i saw 2 cars pull up, and one guy on a bike. i started the car , and this little kids fishing jumped. he was the only on there and hadnt seen anyone in an hour. anyways, the cut was clean, must have had a battery operated saw. The car is an 87 volvo. hey crackhead… thanks for ruining my day of fishing.
ps i was in everett washington near 128th st
Just tried to leave work and discovered that someone had unbolted and stole my catalytic converter (1998 Toyota Tacoma) from my work parking lot in broad daylight!! I get to go through all this headache so some lowlife can get maybe $40-$50?!#* Hope they cut themselves and had to get a tetnus shot…
Cat gone in Cleveland. My wife parked her 1988 Volvo 760 at the local commuter train park and ride lot. When she started the car when she returned after work, she called me upset that “muffler” was loud. When she got home I looked under the car expecting to see a hole in the muffler and found instead the cat converter was gone. I’d like to see a law passed that would allow victims of these types of crimes to beat the perps to death with baseball bats.
Yep, just got mine removed by a saw. At the mall even. I guess people need it more than I do. Will cost me approximately 2k due to the fact they ruined my whole exhaust system. It is a 99 4 runner so I did not have full coverage and got burned.
Just got my CAT stolen of my 2001 4runner out of the West Oakland Bart Station. Full parking lot under the lights! Looks like an electric saw did it.
Yup - it happened to me in Phx., AZ. in May of this year, ‘08. I was in a JC Penney’s store for 1/2 hour. I could see my ‘94 4Runner from the glass door’s of the store as I left. When I started it up…it made that
loud ‘no muffler’ sound. What safety measures exist so this won’t
happen again?
We recently returned from a family vacation to find our minivan missing it’s cat. converter. We had left it parked in a “secured” lot at our hotel. This was a low sitting Chevy Venture, not a SUV. So, no car is safe.
We just got our cat stolen off our nissan pick-up truck for the SECOND time. I also had my identity stolen this month as well as my girlfriend. When it rains, it pours.
I came out of work today and got the same loud rumbling when I started my 98 Cherokee. Sure enough, someone had stolen the converter. Sawed off clean on either side. The police came and took the report. We have cameras on the parking lot…hopefully they caught something. I don’t know how much it’s going to cost me yet. Apparently it’s the 5th one stolen from our lot.
…this was in Columbia, MD by the way.
my 94′ pathfinder was a victim on friday the 13th of june 2008. any other day but on on friday the 13th. i was just leaving work when a co-worker was telling me how his wife had a flat tire down the street and a thunderstorm was coming in. on the way home i dodge 2 accidents avoided a flooded highway and 8 blocks before i get home i get a flat. i decided to leave it over night and get it in the mornin….long after replacing the tire my car sounded a lil rough, thinking maybe the water must of gotten in the engine but no. looked under and muffler hangin all alone…DAYAM you catalyic theives i hope your grand kids don’t grow and your liver explodes…hmmph…no police report and total cost $498 + $167 for 2 new tires…what has the world come to??
Had my CatCon stolen today during daylight hours in the parking lot at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto. Clean cut on each side of the converter. I was given an estimate of $1,400.00 up to $2,000.00. Wow - thank goodness for my insurance. Looks like thats $500.00 out of MY pocket. During the hour I spent at the dealer, 3 more came in with the same problem. They said that there were 5 in total so far that day…… Thieves, sleep in peace- I know I couldn’t.
My cat was stolen last night… welding is no protection apparently as someone took a saw to mine and left me with a big pain to deal with.
My 1997 4runners Catalytic converter was swiped just today! Damn those people doing this - they can all go to hell!!
Not mine….but a several were stolen from our workplace garage in downtown Salt Lake City
They took the CC off my husbands 2003 Tundra last night. Toyota says it will cost 1100.00 to fix it. Why then, when I had a catalytic converter replaced on my old Celica, did it only cost me 100 bucks?
Had my catalytic converter stolen off of my ‘97 4Runner today in a busy parking lot at work, during a beautiful day. Sawed it right off. Thought I was going to jump through the roof when I started the SUV up. Called the police, they took a report, called it “criminal mischief”.
Mine was stolen today, off my 2001 Tacoma parked just south of Wilshire Blvd and West of La Brea. They left the bolts on the side, and i could see the marks where it was dragged out from under the car. I have a $1,000,000,0000,0000000000000 deductible. This is going to be a joy to replace.
I just replaced mine on my ‘04 Four Runner and ordered a product called the Cat Cuff online. www.catcuff.com
I’ll report back once this thing arrives. Wish me luck.
Get some stainless steel (3/8) cable and weld or clamp one end to the exhaust pipe before and after and including the converter. Leave a little slack in the cable and bolt the other ends to the frame. Thieves might cut the pipe if they don’t notice the cable but won’t want to spend the time trying to cut or undo the cabling. If they do maybe there will be enough time to tee off on their head. Remember to take out the getaway driver first!
My 2007 Acura MDX Catalytic converter was swiped just yesterday, in Issaquah Park and Ride, WA!
Damn those people doing this!!
We have two VW LT35 vans and have had both convertors stolen from outside our premises….Won’t happen again we shall make sure.
My Cat and muffler were sawed off clean on my 1985 Toyota 4runner(Rickshaw)last week in Seattle and only noticed after starting the car at 5am with a loud noise. Parked on the curb in front of my house and church. I knew what happened based on recent news reports of theft. Not sure if it is worth the cost of repair, but I will report for crime stat purposes
They got my 93 Corolla at a park and ride while I was at work. They cut mine off, so not only do I need a converter, I need a downpipe and a midpipe.
Good evening,
I am a victim of the recent cat theft. In fact, it happened tonight sometime whie I was at work. On a typical work day, I park my forrunner at the Roomstore parking lot right north of the Islands Burger restaurant for the vanpool. It must’ve happened between 230pm-11pm, because when I left it, the cat was there. Then just like everyone else, I start it and this loud, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH…I was only aware of it because it happened at my work a few times so when I’d drive in, I would always check on it. Man, this sux cause I just had the front end fixed and it was an arm and a leg. I already made a police report, the truck is okay, and I’m safe. There must be something that could be done. That reminds me, I need to let everyone else know what happened and we need to change the vanpoo site…at least park at a place where there is security patrolling constantly…Mahalo for letting me comment on your site! Good Night…
Mine got swiped off my Toyota Sequoia yesterday. Might invest in a CatClamp Theft deterrant to discourage them from taking my new one which will probably cost me ~$1200. I’d like to get my hands on the Thief or the guys buying the parts.
jason,
i am a new car toyota dealership in atlanta i have been hit twice for over 40 cats (replacement almost $100k in replacement. The atlanta market has been hit not only at my store but 5 other franchises as well. until scrap metal dealers are regulated and serious investigative work gets going there is no end to the madness of catalytic theft!
Had my converter stolen from my 99 4Runner today in Tempe, AZ. The dealershup quoted me at $1500 to replace it, I’m sure it will be more when they see that it was cut outside the flanges so it’s going to require welding some extensions on to make up for the lost pipe. It kind of sucks that this web page is sponsored by these guy’s:
#1 buyers of catalytic converters Any Quantity Simple process
www.catalyticbuyers.com
WTF
I just had mine stolen in broad daylight from works parking lot. I made the mistake of parking on the side of the building that had no window. We have 200 employees so they must not have any fear. Hope they start fining some these scrap places for paying these thugs for stolen items. Any idea how much a converter for a ‘97 toyota tacoma V6 goes for?
this might be a first on the comment list:
they sawed-off my catalytic converter on my jeep grand cherokee laredo last summer, and today i noticed they tried again. it was parked 5 ft in front of my house! they only got 1/3 of the way through, so i’m hoping i can find someone to seal/weld it!
i will spare readers the long list of profanities that should follow.
Yep…got the CC from my ‘96 T100 at the Old Town Trolly Station San Diego. No cameras or Transit Police in the lot. These lots seem to be a magnet for these thiefs. Amazing lack of security post-911!
I lost my cat during the night where my 94 olds cutlass was parked on the side street next to my house in KCMO. Didn’t know the problem til a mechanic checked out the roar and showed me the saw on either side of the cat. $155.11. Maybe a ring or an ind, who knows for sure, but definitely an epidemic in this area!
UNREAL! I just googled Cat Thefts & found this site. Yep, got mine stolen off my Ford SuperCrew 4×4 at my job in broad daylight. My Screw4×4 sits up high & there were Evergreen trees blocking the Security’s view. Fortunately they took only 1 of 4 & my replacement cost was only $312. Keeping that puppy out in the open now!
My Cat was stolem this monrning June 29 taken off a 91 nissan pick up , clean removal, cut right through the pipe. Theives are a real asset to our peace of mind.
About 2 years ago I was taking part in a sleep study and had to stay over several nights in a sleep lab to do so. On the 4th morning I came out and started up my 1995 Toyota 4Runner only to hear what sounded like a jet engine. I was afraid to drive for fear of getting at ticket. I didn’t really know what had happened at the time. I took it straight to my mechanic who called me as soon as he got under there and told me what had happened. Fortunately it was covered by my comprehensive insurance. I was so upset and lost a whole day of work because of it.I guess theft is easier that just going out and getting a job? This sounds a lot like work to me. They has to use a Sawzall to get this off and I have heard that some scrap metal places aren’t accepting these if they suspect they are stolen.
By the way I live in Cincinnati and only googled now because somebody just got one stolen out of our work lot.
Drove to work, got off hours early, then when to run errands and what was 2 hours tops of my 1992 Toyota Truck parked outside on the street, some worthless, lazy piece of crap managed to steal mine.
My repairs will cost: 550 Dollars, because it was discovered that this worthless piece of garbage didn’t know what he was doing.
So, it’s not just nice Toyota SUV’s, my trusty old Toyota got it too.
There has to be a way to prevent this from happening.
Tried to get My ‘93 toyota pickups about a month ago,they only got half off. Put it back on. They can back last weekend and took it and my 2001 toyota sitting next to it. Police would only do report over phone and the lady was rude to me. $1900 later but better than going to jail had I caught them. If they do it again I’m going to put a straight pipe in its place. Screw they enviroment!
1997 4Runner - sawn off at the BART commuter public guarage in Millbrae, CA (San Francisco Bay Area). Sswa another Toyota at the same/garage - looks like it was a convenient location to get a bunch of cats at once. They knew owners will not be back soon.
I only have liability and was told an estimate of up to $2k at the local shop. Not even sure if I should fix it seeing how easy to loose one.
Nagged my whole apartment complex two nights ago in Huntington Beach, CA. All Tacomas and 4-Runners got their converters stolen. It cost me $1100 to replace. It pisses me off that they sell them for $30-$40. If I catch someone doing this I swear to god I’ll strangle them.
they just got me yesterday
picture this:
- husband walking up to 92 toyota pick up truck, starting the car, loud noise
- gardener pulling up to mow the lawn and saying, ‘i know what’s wrong w/ your car.. your catalytic converter’s stolen. it happened to a friend of mine’
- husband looking under the truck
- cc gone
it _really_ sucks.. bad economy sucks, thieves suck, gas price sucks.
thieves…thanks for starting our 4th of july weekend with a call to the police
I had my ‘94 Honda Accord LX stolen from my place of business on June 30, 2008 …in broad daylight. My Supervisor saw one of the people who had smiled & waved at her as she was leaving work. When she topped the hill, she saw my Honda at the opposite end but she didn’t make the connection. I’m thinking about another car but from reading various comments, It doesn’t appear that I’ll be in any better shape with another car. Thanks for listening.
Have any of you guys checked out the CATCUFF? It’s a security system to lock up the catalytic converter and prevent theft. My friend just installed one after hers was stolen off her truck. I’d be interested to hear more from anyone who’s tried it.
I didn’t think this kind of thing would happen in my townhouse community, let alone to my 1997 Honda CRV that needs a lot of work…except the new exhaust system that was just replaced in August 2007 and has now been swiped (catalytic converter). My vehicle sits in from of my townhouse in a somewhat quiet community about 20 miles North of Cincinnati, Ohio…but somehow these thieves “quietly” removed some parts from my vehicle throughout the nightime while we were sleeping…of course it was a perfect time since fireworks were going off most of the night since it was the Fourth of July. The officer thought it might just be a random incident or maybe a deliberate crime against me since we have not had any reports of this type around here (except the gas siphoning out of large tank SUV’s) but it’s too soon to tell this early in the weekend if other reports start to roll in. This is the third time I’ve been affected by crime with my poor little vehicle (other two were at a park near my job).
7/05/08 i make two dollars and hour as a server in a restasurant. just got off work and my Catalytic Converter is missing from my 1987 toyota truck. two other cars in the same pasrking lot are missing there Catalytic Converter. day light.. no video in the parking lot for employees or customers.
Discovered my SR5 V6 catcon was stolen somtime in the last 3 days \. Parked in front of my home. Scared the s— out of me when I turned the motor over. Filed a Police report and Ins claim. Have no idea what the costs will be, since it’s the 4th of July weekend. Hope they catch those Bas—-s.
My Toyota 4wd truck got hit for the second time during the early morning of July 6. About a year ago, the cat was unbolted and I could replace it with a new one. I welded the nuts and rounded the edges of the bolt heads with a hole saw. This time the thief used a pipe cutter and I will have to replace the entire exhaust system. It is clear that some sort of net to retain the cat, and some sort of tamper alarm is required. This sort of thing will continue as long as stolen cats can be fenced.
Santa Clarita, Calif. - My catcon was quietly removed from my 2001 Tacoma while I slept. The irony here was that the very last local news item I read before going to bed at 10:30p.m. was that there was 8 of them were ripped off across town the night before! I got in my truck at 4:30a.m. and made the discovery. The sheriffs responded quickly and were very sympathetic and professional.It cost me $280 to have replaced. In spite of warning a co-worker that lives 3 miles away, his got ripped also. Why aren’t the scrap dealers required to take a picture of the “customer” with the scrap he is submitting and provide a valid driver’s license for identification? Any dealer with integrity would HAVE to know that these parts are stolen. I’m 53 years old and have NEVER taken even ONE catcon to the scrap yard. Isn’t it a bit suspicious when some crackhead brings 20 a week into your scrap yard? Yeah, I know, it’s not YOUR problem, you are only providing a service for the public and you shouldn’t be the police too. Leaving a comment on this site will not fix the problem so I will be focusing my energy to the lawmakers. In the mean time, I’ve got an old 3-Wood waiting for the tweakers to return and I’m not shy about using it!
Long Beach, CA
Mine was stolen from my ‘94 Toyota Pickup last Wed. night. I’ve heard horror stories about costly repairs, but my replacement was only $120 from Kragen Auto Parts, and I put it on myself in about 1/2 hour. It helps if you have 2 people and /or a jack to hold the unit in place while you bolt it in. For extra insurance, I took the truck down to the local muffler shop and had the bolts and flanges welded for $20. LB police came out on Sunday and dusted my truck for prints, but found none.
I beat the crooks to the punch. I removed my converters on my 96 jimmy and my 92 chevy truck and sold them myself. I figure if anyone gets the money for my stuff it will be me and not them. And when the stealing comes to an end (If it ever does) i’ll replace the converters if I still have the same vehicles. As of right now my state don’t have an emissions check so i’m ok for now.
I beat the crooks to the punch. I removed my converters on my 96 jimmy and my 92 chevy truck and sold them myself and replaced them with a piece of pipe (It don’t affect the running at all). I figure if anyone gets the money for my stuff it will be me and not them. And when the stealing comes to an end (If it ever does) i’ll replace the converters if I still have the same vehicles. As of right now my state don’t have an emissions check so i’m ok for now.
Napped the cat off my ‘95 4 runner while at work in a hospital. $400.00 to replace it. It’s welded but I’m looking into the catclamp for further protection. Til then will ride my bike to work. I would like to unbolt the mofo’s that did this.
just googled “catalytic converter theft” and your blog came up. i just fired up our church’s 15 passenger van about 20 minutes ago and was very suprised by what i heard. looked under the van and sure enough there’s about 3 feet of pipe missing including the catalytic converter. right out of the church parking lot. oh well.
Yep! July 5th, nice sunny day, I’m at work with my 97 Toyota 4-runner parked right outside my building next to the main street with 6 other cars in a very safe open place park in quiet Snohomish. Someone used a Sawsall to remove my catalytic converter. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten out of a car faster, when I started my car and it sounded like a giant harley inside my car. What I don’t understand is the EXTREME price differences in the repair job. $200. to $3500. the higher being quoted by a Toyota service department in Edmonds. Are they trying to take advantage of our predictament?
Is anyone else getting extreme estimates?
I too had recently seen a news story from a local Los Angeles broadcast about the thefts. Two weeks ago we started up our 1991 Nissan Pickup only to discover our cat was gone. We called the Sheriff’s department and was told that we are only one of many in the area. When the officer came out to take the report he told us that our local Nissan dealership was hit several nights before and they took 14 cats, right off the lot.
Got a call this morning from a detective that said they got a guy with 3 cats that admitted to stealing them. He wants us to come in and “positively identify” our cat.(Uhh, OK)He also asked us to get a quote on the repairs from the local dealership, he’s hoping for over $500.00 so they can get the guy for a felony. Let’s just say the labor quote alone was $325.00. See ya buddy!!
Just last night my catalytic converter was stolen from my 1997 Toyota 4Runner (Mocha Freeze) right in front of my house in Everett. I spoke with the sheriff and she said that the scrappers only give them about $20 for the platinum. If they would come to my door I would give them $20 if they asked so that I would not have to go through this hassle!
Terry- where did you get the quote for $200?
Heard about this on the radion yesterday and sure enough, the next morning I started my 94 4Runner parked in front of the house and it sounded like a Harley. Cost $250 at the local Meineke shop to replace. Do they make them without the metals?
mine was stolen this morning!! My neighbor heard the sawing noises at 6am and looked out his window to see two men, one in their car waiting and the other one hurrying out from under my truck with the cat in hand! I was VERY pissed this morning when I came out to see this had happened. it’s going to cost me $500+. What the hell?!?! What is wrong with people?
i parked in the parking lot where i work at a retail stroe all day today and when i went to go home - same thing. i knew something was wrong with my exhaust system. my mechanic immediately suspected theft of my converter and he was right!!! i have the same issue - a week from now when i have a new one installed, will they be back again? what will the losers of the world come up with next?
My sister’s catalytic converter was cut off her Nissan pick-up in a Tri-Met Park and Ride here in Portland. She apparently got off easy with a $500 repair. (Still tough for her budget.) A new catalytic converter ant-theft device has been designed by an engineer (and victim) here in Portland and is being sold nationwide. Sells for $50 which is much less than the other product I’ve seen advertised (for $250!). It’s called the Cat Cuff and can be found at www.catcuff.com. It can easily be installed without special tools. My sister is installing one, in hopes of hanging on to this catalyic converter.
My daughter’s ‘98 4-runner was parked 5 spaces out at the Mall of Milennia in Orlando.She got in her car at 8:30pm and herd that same horrible noise! They got it!
She called the police and was told that there are cameras around the lot so maybe they will get some clues.
I read your article, and it all makes sense. I jumped into my Tacoma, turned the key, and it was louder than a Harley! I knew it was an exaust problem. This happened at the Saratoga Ridge apts. on 16th st. and Bell rd in Phoenix. I guess that our automatic security gates don’t do squat! At first I thought it was a pissed off ex whom may have gotten a guy to sabotage me. Now it is clear that this wasn’t the case. Maybe I can get another one on craig’s list(it could be my old one! lol!) The worst part, is that I lost my job, broke, and this is an expensive part. What has this world come to? Maybe some meth head sold it for the platinum. Your idea of welding the bolts on may work.
Thieves stole my entire vehicle from an ORV park in Washington and the cops would not even show up to take a report! They don’t care because they say it’s only property. I am livid!!
This afternoon, after work, truck sounds like every post above this one, so I check below and sure enough, it’s gone. Cut with a sawzall, or something. I’ll get a quote tomorrow. Pretty upset. All the usual thoughts: I’m waiting, laying low with a baseball bat when they come back, etc., etc.
Three vehicles with stolen catalytic converters in one day. Nice aye. Not
Mine was stolen in Hilliard (Columbus)Ohio on June 26th. 2005 Chevy Venture Mini Van. Filed a police report but not one word of it in the local paper. Lowered my deductible to $250 for only $16 more every 6 months! We should start a “CC Patrol Club”! Glad my misery has company, thanks for your stories.
Luke,
Airport Welding in Snohomish and Eastside Tire and Muffler on Ave D in Snohomish had the best prices.
Our Toyota 4Runner had it’s catalytic converter stolen sometime in the last two weeks. We don’t drive it everyday so it sits in front of our home.
It turns out that our neighbor had his stolen too out of his Tundra. Crazy!
Our Insurnace company is taking care of most of the costs. We have a $100 deductible.
My 2003 Tundra had the catalytic converter and all the oxygen sensors stolen while I was at work. The cost to replace everything was over $3000.00. Picked it up Friday and the check engine came on, now they are saying that there must be a problem with my engine. There was nothing wrong with my car before this happened.
I just had my second one stolen off my 4Runner, the first one they took off my Toyota Pickup truck. Something needs to be done about this.
My 2004 honda element had its cat cut out from under it. While I was looking under my car to find out what the loud noise was I noticed several other cars with their muffler systems hanging in the same fashion mine was. They got 4 others in my apartment complex that I could see. Shame on those that accept stolen cats they are just as guilty. When a man walks in with 5 cut cats it should sound an alarm to the company recieving them.
My 2002 Toyota Sequoia was hit yesterday at the train station parking lot (San Francisco Bay Area) - located about 200 yards from the train police station. The Sequoia’s have two cat’s. Luckily my insurance is going to cover it.
Hi Jason,
Thanks for your article. I just discovered the theft of my catalytic converter this morning. What a disaster, and what a sad statement on the times we live in…
-Christa
You need to check out the CatClamp. I ordered one a while back for my 4-runner. It was custom made for my vehicle so it fit perfect. My dad put it on for me and it went on great. I haven’t had any problems. My brother on the other hand tried to one up me and ordered the “cuff” last week for his tacoma. He got it Sat. He got it on as tight as he could, but he actually could still move the converter through the wires. Then he went out on the town Sat. night and he came into the parking lot in time to scare them off but not before they cut through the cables with one of those saw things. So they still could have gotten it if they had more time. I am sorry “cuff” guys, but I will pay the little extra up front, You get what you pay for my Dad always taught me, cause now he is going to have to order it again, but I think I have him talked into a CatClamp. Will let ya’s know-
NC is having many thefts of cats, to include my Toyota Sequoia this week . . . which has two and makes it a prime target for scumbag thieves. Parking in conspicuous locations doesn’t seem to make a difference as they come quickly and cut them out without notice.
I sincerely hope to run into the people who cut mine off last night.
In the middle of the night the Sawzall they used would have sure looked ALOT a gun when I told them to get out from underneath the vehicle.
Bang.
That saw certainly looked like a sawed off shotgun to me in the dark officer.
Dirty rotten ^@%$#@#’s they are.
Unbelievable, I had no idea this was going on. Our ‘99 Toyota Tacoma just was a victim this afternoon, in our Park & Ride lot. Of course my emissions test is due by the end of this month. But I dread the thought of replacing it only to have it happen again.
2006 Toyota Highlander, in the Valhalla train station parking lot (Westchester County, NY): $2000.
My ‘99 Toyota Tacoma was hit yesterday at my park and ride. I had never heard about this before yesterday. The just hack sawed the pipe on both ends to get mine out. They also nicked the transmission fluid line in the process, so I also had to be towed to the repair shop. Toyota quoted me +$1800 for the repair, and Midas came in at $1200. Sounds like this epidemic is not hurting business at their repair shops one bit. A little notification from Toyota would had been nice if they are being targeted. We have been thinking about getting a second car lately, now I am seriously re-thinking buying a Toyota again.
Just got hit yesterday on one of my car sales lots in Chicago. They clean cut off the cats on a 07 4Runner and a 06 Sienna Van.
$1100 to replace everything. Nice to come off my bottom line.
Since I will be yanking off the Cat from my Jeep Liberty soon, thanks for the info on the platinum in them. I will take it to a scrap dealer and get some money. Was going to just trash it after I took it off and replaced it with a piece of straight pipe. Oh… the Jeep I got is a diesel and no oxy sensors, so the vehicle will never know it’s gone and maybe it will appreciate it since the engine will be able to empty the cylinders easier.
Upper Marlboro Md.
Well, I joined the club yesterday. Me and my wife went to one of the larger chain grocery stores at 8:15pm. We parked not to far from the entrance, well lite lot, security cameras, people coming and going. Came out at 8:45pm and started my 1997 Toyota 4runner to the sound of a Mack truck. Catalytic converter gone along with the O2 sensor. Wouldn’t you know it. I just dropped full coverage on this vehicle last month. I don’t know yet what the bill is going to be. Report these thefts to your police dept. and legistrators. Something has to be done to stop this, like going after the scrap metal yards, who buy them. I am going to invest in the protection guards for both of my vehicles.
KY police investigate auto part thefts
Enquirer staff • July 19, 2008
DRY RIDGE – Kentucky State Police are investigating a series of catalytic converter thefts in Bracken, Robertson and Pendleton counties.
Most of the thefts occurred at night to vehicles parked on streets, parking lots and in driveways. The most common vehicles targeted are Toyota pickup trucks and sedans and Dodge pickups, troopers said.
The thieves typically use a pipe cutter to remove the catalytic converters, which are sold at recycling businesses. Investigators have said thieves can get up to $140 for the auto part.
The thefts are so pervasive in Kenton County that a judge last week held a man charged with stealing a catalytic converter on a $10,000 cash bond. In the past, someone charged with a similar crime would be held on a $1,000 or $500 bond.
Just as in Kenton County, Boone County officials have said thieves are so brazen they are stealing the auto part from under cars in broad daylight.
A state law that went into effect Tuesday is meant to combat metal thefts. It requires metal dealers to record purchases and keep the records for two years. Dealers are required to provide the forms to law enforcement agencies to identify metal thieves, according to Kentucky State Police.
Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call state police Post No. 6 at 859-428-1212.
my converter was stolen july off my 1987 toyota truck in florence,
ky. $1300 to replace. my insurance wants to pay me $330.00 because of depreciation
Own 2 Nissan trucks(’96 & ‘97). One hit last December, the other on 7-17. I live in Glendale, AZ. In addition to local unscrupulous scrap dealers, EBay should ban the selling of converters. Thousands for sale at this moment!
Just had mine stolen over the weekend. Cost $334 to replaced it at Midas. They welded the bolts this time, but if the thieves want it, they will probably just take the whole exhaust system next time… which will cost me even more to replace.
People who steal don’t even care that they are hurting other people. Bastards!
London SE6, England. Had cat from 2003 Ford Transit van removed, caught on cctv from 00:17 checking van then back at 02:24 to remove, police said they would call me in three days, it has now been three days and no call, hardly suprising - have reported crimes with no response. Had new unit fitted today at cost of £180, pretty cheap really.. Still very gutting and angry.. I’m gonna run cables abound the cat and bolt them inside the body through holes I will drill in the van floor, will hopefully deter further theft…
My converter was also stolen today at the Issaquah Park & Ride in WA.
The trend for catalytic converter theft is spreading across the world. I fill your pain because I myself was a victim for this stupid costly crime. Rule of thumb applies to this crime trend I guess, “If it’s worth anything someone will steal it”. Protecting the under carriage of your vehicle is something new in the security world. Until now this area has not been targeted for theft. Gas tank drilling or punching as well has exploded on the police radar once the gas prices reached 3dollars a gallon.
I am the CEO for a specialty security company called Steal Armor. Our company monitored this crime wave and found little interest from most of the security manufactures to address this trend. The need is there for a product that consumers could use to protect the catalytic converter and your gas tank from drilling. So we went to work and designed our own. We call it Prearmor named after our line of Portable Alarm Systems. This add-on sensor creates an invisible zone underneath your vehicle that sets off your alarm if it is violated. We tested it on several vehicle and found the results astonishing. Dial in the sensitivity and the undercarriage is secured from any person sliding under the vehicle to cut off your cat or drill a hole in your gas tank. Steal Armor has just released this product. We have had inquiries from overseas customers, law enforcement agencies about this product. Steal Armor is a small company that believes common sense goes a long way when you need to solve a problem. Thanks for the chance to inform your readers. Will post a link on Steal Armor web site if you would like. Great Blog. James
Last night my catalytic converter was sawed off in the middle of the night outside my home in Indianapolis on my 1999 4-Runner. Thank God they didn’t cut the oxygen sensor or it would have been $1100. For $180 I got it fixed. I am currently clearing out my garage so I can park in there. I am major peeved.
They stole BOTH cat conv off of my 2000 Tundra on Friday. It would be $3,198 with Toyota parts but the insurance company will only pay for aftermarket…. $1555 at Midas.
I SAY CUT A FEW FINGERS OFF ALL THEIVES… HARD TO SWIPE STUFF OR USE A SOCKET SET TO STEAL CAT CON