I wasn't sure where to post this, but since it's general knowledge and could help many I figured here was fine.
I'm not sure if this issue has arisen all over the country, maybe my fellow auto tech's could chime in on that, but around the Twin Cities area catalytic converter theft has become RAMPANT. Easily the most common model affected are Toyota Prius', everything after the 1st gen. This is a $1,300 to $2,600 repair depending on which parts are used and what year it is. Just recently, we started offering a product at my shop to help prevent just such an occurrence.
A company called Cat Security has recently released their cat shield product, an aluminum/multiple aluminum plates that are riveted to the bottom of the car to prevent access to the cat itself. See: Cat Security: Toyota Prius catalytic converter shield
Author's note: I have absolutely no foot in this company. I just fix em' as I see em'. But given how many of these I've seen lately, this was one of those "Why didn't I think of that!?" moments. Sad that it's come to this, but it really is a nicely made piece and installs relatively easily.
Also, just for fun, the best (worst) vehicle I've had come through with stolen emissions equipment was a newer 6.7 Ford. They cut out the pressure sensors, DPF, cat, O2's, everything. Over $8k to repair!
I'm not sure if this issue has arisen all over the country, maybe my fellow auto tech's could chime in on that, but around the Twin Cities area catalytic converter theft has become RAMPANT. Easily the most common model affected are Toyota Prius', everything after the 1st gen. This is a $1,300 to $2,600 repair depending on which parts are used and what year it is. Just recently, we started offering a product at my shop to help prevent just such an occurrence.
A company called Cat Security has recently released their cat shield product, an aluminum/multiple aluminum plates that are riveted to the bottom of the car to prevent access to the cat itself. See: Cat Security: Toyota Prius catalytic converter shield
Author's note: I have absolutely no foot in this company. I just fix em' as I see em'. But given how many of these I've seen lately, this was one of those "Why didn't I think of that!?" moments. Sad that it's come to this, but it really is a nicely made piece and installs relatively easily.
Also, just for fun, the best (worst) vehicle I've had come through with stolen emissions equipment was a newer 6.7 Ford. They cut out the pressure sensors, DPF, cat, O2's, everything. Over $8k to repair!