Catalytic converter covers are best way to discourage thieves
Q One more letter about catalytic converters being stolen. I always park my Honda Element in the garage, but one day I went for groceries at Safeway on Berryessa Road at 2:30 p.m. I was only in the store for about 20 minutes when I returned to discover that the converter had been stolen in the parking lot. — Liz Donovan, San Jose
A Oh, my gosh! Stolen from a very public place, in limited time, in broad daylight. But you’ve given me an idea. Readers, if you’ve had a converter stolen, tell me where and when. I’m looking to find unusual situations, such as Liz experienced.
Q I read your article on the recent uptick in catalytic converter thefts in y’all’s area.
A very similar thing is happening to us here in Houston. I’d like to reply to the smug know-it-alls who think they have ended the problem by saying, “just park in the garage.” I’d love their take on ending world hunger: just eat. They must not have considered multicar/multi-family households that only have a finite amount of space, so parking in the street is a necessity.
I live with two female roommates in a great part of town for us young people, but it’s not so great in terms of crime and thefts.
I would feel extremely terrible if something were to happen to my roommates’ (cars) because I took the garage space that should clearly go to them. Both of their cars fit perfectly in the garage, whereas my truck was already too big before I modified it.
What’s the solution for preventing my catalytic converter from being stolen? Buy a bigger house?
Warm regards postfreeze.
— Javier Fernandez,
Houston, Texas A Buy a converter cover ASAP.
Q The other day thieves stole my sister’s catalytic converter from her Prius in Goleta. The remedy is not as simple as “park your car in your garage.” My sister, like millions of Californians living in apartments and condos, only has an open carport parking space to park her car. — Nancy Krop, Palo Alto
A Yeah. Carports aren’t safe, either.
Q In your article about parking in the garage to prevent catalytic converter theft, some people cannot park in their garage due to it being too small. My house was built in the 1950s, and I have never owned a car that would fit in the garage. Sometimes you have no choice but to park in the driveway or the street. — Bill Bleich, San Mateo
A Or buy a cover, which will cost around $300.
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