Catalytic converter theft...

Won't work

dasnake said:
If you are so worried look up "cat security" they have a variety of models for cars, but I figure if you can't find one for your vehicle a guy who is handy could make one.
I was looking at some means of protection as my truck is two feet off the ground, but i took mine out, put it away, redid the exhaust and computer but that is just me, I think my first suggestion is more for the average person/vehicle, good luck.
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Won't work in Colorado because your vehicle won't pass emissions and you won't be able to get plates or renew.
 
dasnake said:
If you are so worried look up "cat security" they have a variety of models for cars, but I figure if you can't find one for your vehicle a guy who is handy could make one.
I was looking at some means of protection as my truck is two feet off the ground, but i took mine out, put it away, redid the exhaust and computer but that is just me, I think my first suggestion is more for the average person/vehicle, good luck.
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Kinda redneck, but would work.


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Kanewpadle said:
The real problem is recyclers. State law requires them to obtain a valid driver's license and the VIN.
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I see your point. But like most other criminal activity a willing marketplace creates incentives for the criminals.

Smugglers and drug dealers would not be a problem if it weren't for millions of willing dopers waiting to buy the product. But the drug user is considered a victim, while the supplier is treated as the villain.

To effectively deal with criminal activity everyone involved must be made to feel the lash at the courthouse. Everything else is excuse-making and blaming others for individual decisions.

When I am taking a vacation and stop at a motel for the night, get up in the morning and find that my catalytic converter has been cut out of my exhaust system, pay a wrecker ($300-plus) to take my inoperable vehicle to a reputable shop for repair, then shell out $1500-plus for repairs, while spending a couple of days in a motel instead of at my intended vacation destination, maybe losing my reservations and deposits, well I would be happy to see every single individual involved handled roughly and severely. Instead, all I am likely to get is a telephone call with an assigned case number for my insurance claim that I can deal with after my ruined vacation plans.

Even worse for working people on business trips. Several days of lost time, income, and business opportunity because some scuz-bag doper made a hundred bucks cutting out my catalytic converter to sell for salvage (or to a back alley mechanic).

I am no longer willing to accept excuses and playing the blame game.
 
The local government's can stop/slow it down when they want to, they just have to decide to. We had a huge copper theft problem down here a few years ago. New construction homes had wiring ripped out of the walls and businesses had the A/C units destroyed for a few dollars at the recycle center. Now, you're picture is taken and ID documented with every transaction. If you don't have a legitimate reason for having the materials, the recycle centers won't buy it. The theft dried up. They can do the same thing with these converters when they decide to.
 
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lihpster said:
Extremely redneck, but would work.
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Love the gator. Have so many around here ,not a bad idea.
In reality going to be like selling old HVAC condensers, have to have an HVAC license or no recycling place will/ can buy them. Few years ago found lots of scrap brass, several 1000 assorted berdan primed rifle cases from MG shoot. Threw all brass in 5 gal. buckets and off to sell, yea, right. Went to 3 places before one would take " bullet cases", ignorance can be cured but stupid is slam to the bone.
 
I imagine the insurance companies could solve this, and eventually might. But maybe after the deductible it's just not a big enough deal to them.

Years ago when they were stealing every T-top off every Firebird the insurance industry got together and refused to pay for anything other than an OEM replacement. That killed the used market and stopped 90% of it in short order.
 
Don't care.

glenwolde said:
I imagine the insurance companies could solve this, and eventually might. But maybe after the deductible it's just not a big enough deal to them.

Years ago when they were stealing every T-top off every Firebird the insurance industry got together and refused to pay for anything other than an OEM replacement. That killed the used market and stopped 90% of it in short order.
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I don't think it's a problem for insurance companies.

We had a $2000 repair. Our deductible is $500.

I'm not turning in a $1500 claim to have my insurance rates go up.

Sometimes you just have to eat it.
 
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While reading this thread an interesting thought struck me (at least to me).

I have always thought that as technology advances and changes it is a good idea to try and keep up with it in your career to maintain your income and standard of living. I'm quite sure with the decline of the horse and carriage that buggy whip and horse thieves fell on hard times.
Now that catalytic converters seem to be a prime target, what will today's thieves do to make a dishonest living with the rather rapid availability of electric vehicles? I would think there must be some parts on those vehicles worth of recycling. It will be interesting to see how the nefarious crowd adapts to this newer technology.
 
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