Catalytic converter theft -- six months later...
Six months ago, thieves stole the catalytic converter off of my beloved 1994 Toyota 4Runner, Moose. I blogged about it, and I have been overwhelmed by the continuing response to my posting. Over 200 of you have commented and shared your stories. This is an epidemic that shows no signs of slowing down.Luckily for me, I have a secure garage to keep Moose off the street. But every time I drive to a store, or a park in a lot, I'm aware of the danger. Even though I had the bolts on my cat welded, I know that a thief with a reciprocating saw can steal my converter in minutes, in broad daylight. I park carefully, in a conspicuous spot, and if I see anyone hanging around in the area, I move along. Poor Moose doesn't get to see nearly as much action as before, with the twin threats of cat theft and high gas prices looming at every turn.
I've read some harrowing tales from some readers. Some almost caught the thieves in the act. Many were very angry, and even threatened to defend their vehicles with violence. I understand your feelings, but the best defense is to report the theft to the police, report the theft to the store where you were shopping, and to demand follow up from all parties. Ask your police department what they're doing to stop this crime. Are they policing the scrap metal dealers? If the market for stolen converters dried up, so would the thefts. As long as it's easy to sell stolen parts, thieves will continue to swipe easy-to-steal catalytic converters.
Keep your vehicle safe. Clean out that garage. Park where your vehicle can be seen. Get your bolts welded to make the theft a little tougher.
And keep yourselves safe. Use common sense before you confront a thief -- remember, he probably has a heavy socket wrench in hand, or maybe even a Sawzall. You don't want to become a victim of physical violence as well as theft. Call the police. Don't be a hero -- or a victim.
And keep sharing your stories. I'll keep following up on this epidemic, and hopefully we can do something about it together.
Photo © Jason Fogelson
Comments
Honestly, no matter how “safe” you play it, aside from locking your car up in your garage and never leaving your house for the rest of your life, there will always be a chance.
Getting groceries? Going out for a movie? Going out to eat? Working?
I just had my cat stolen off my 2002 Toyota Tacoma truck last Friday, in broad daylight, at the parking lot right outside my job (I’m a city employee here in Cerritos, CA). We’re talking less than a hundred ft from where I’m *physically* sitting, between the hours of 9am and 2pm! Effing unbelievable
Because of these douchebags, I did not have a vehicle for the entire weekend, I’m out several hundred dollars, and I have to wait until tomorrow morning (Tuesday) to have it replaced at a local muffler shop! My insurance wouldn’t even cover it!
I really do hope the law starts coming down on these scrap metal dealers, as I believe putting a bit of pressure on them will let the thieves out there know people aren’t taking this lightly.
1994 Toyota T100 V6, Baltimore ‘burbs, Maryland – 2nd converter stolen in 5 months while parked in the same commuter lot in full view of passing traffic. Both converters were cut off with a cordless reciprocating saw, which probably took all of two minutes. Four months ago, the cops arrested a suspect but apparently other maggots are now operating in my area. The Allstate insurance adjuster blames these types of thefts on a plague of drugs…he might be correct. So, fed-up and angry, I’ve ordered a $400 CatClamp “MAX” for my trusty ‘Yota just to deter the bottom feeders who are preying on me. If they ever come out with a device that snares the perp, I’m buying it. Snare perp, drive to police station.
My 1994 Toyota 4Runner`s Cat. converter was hacked last week (June 30/09) right in front of my house in Burnaby, BC, Canada. My insurance will cover the Cat but not the old pipe that`s connected to it. ( about $1,000 ) I`m just wondering how fool proof is the CatClamp, or is there any other device out there that`s comparable to CatClamp?
i got jacked at the mall( 1991toyota pickup)they were following me i know as i drove around the parking lot about 7 times and was in and out in about 15 mins it cost me about 700- to get a new cat and the parts they hacked up , i was fuirious and still am and they could steal it again ,. well not any more i made a device called “THE CATBOX” AND I WOULD CONSIDER making them for others who have had this problem i dont feel like spending another 700 i will post pics if its possible or contact me
badasspaint@hotmail.com