Catalytic converter thefts can happen fast anywhere
Q
Why is that catalytic converter thieves don’t get caught? They stole my Honda CRV and took the cat covering off and everything from under the seats. So maddening.
— Victor Stallion
A
Maddening it is. Police are trying to tackle this growing problem or at least throw a scare into the thieves using undercover units to go after those behind the thefts. The Los Angeles Times recently reported that 19 were arrested at one site, and $750,000 worth of converters were recovered.
These thefts are difficult to stop since it takes just a couple of minutes to sweep under a vehicle, usually parked on the street or in a driveway late at night.
Q
I was getting my Prius V serviced at Downtown Toyota of Oakland. The service manager told me that thieves cut the catalytic converter off a vehicle parked right outside the dealership’s service center exit driveway. The vehicle was done, waiting for pickup, and only in that spot for about 10 minutes. — Francesca Austin, Oakland
A
And ...
Q
Our 2008 Prius catalytic converter was stolen in the St. Rose Hospital parking lot in Hayward. The theft took only 2-3 minutes and can happen anywhere. We had a protective cage around the cat, but this was no match for thieves who had time to use several hacksaw blades. Honestly, this is only a deterrent. A motivated thief will take what he wants.
— Larry Tong, Livermore
A
Larry’s financial pain was $3,100 before insurance to replace the cat/muffler/O2 sensor/ brackets/hardware and $400 to install the converter shield.
Q
After reading your column on catalytic converter thefts, it hit home. Our daughter in Southern California had this happen twice with her Honda. I found a company that sells a cat-claw, a cage-type device that her dealership installed around her catalytic converter. — Lea Kagel, Danville
A
And another victim’s story ...
Q
My daughter has a 2004 Prius. The catalytic converter was stolen while the car was parked in her driveway. Both the Toyota dealer and the tow truck operator told her a cover for the new catalytic converter would only add a few minutes to the time to steal the next converter.
— Philomena Greger,
San Jose
A
But an extra few minutes might deter some crooks.
Q
An auto shop owner gave me this tip: If you must park your automobile in the driveway, backing the car into the driveway offers more protection. It’s harder to access the catalytic converter when the car is backed into the driveway.
— Herb Perry, Mountain View
A
With some cities reporting up to a 400% increase in these crimes, all tips are welcome.