Lock for catalytic converter.

mloc123

Do we know why Prius are the main target for the thefts?

jmreire

mloc123 wrote: »

Do we know why Prius are the main target for the thefts?

More valuable metals in the Prius Cats.

Isambard

i've just checked my Leaf and I can't see the cat, I reckon it's been nicked!

irishgirl19

mloc123 wrote: »

Do we know why Prius are the main target for the thefts?

Palladium and easily accessible for the scumbags to cut off

Atlantic Dawn

The speed it's done at is crazy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDPKzGlrnXg

punisher5112

Platinum and other metals that are extremely saut after

irishgirl19

Sickens me.

punisher5112

Was hoping the jack would fail or they cut their hand off.....

If scrap yards were properly regulated this would be much more difficult but then I suppose they'd just ship them out.

elperello

jmreire wrote: »

You are right !!! It's definitely a case of lightening striking twice in the same place ( or even more...)
what make of car is it? ( sorry if you have mentioned it already ) The only preference that I would have is that the plate be bolted rather than welded to the chassis / floor, and the bolts used would not be hexagon headed, but splined or torx type, and they would be countersunk into the metal, where the grinder cannot get at them easily. Good Luck with it, and let us know how it works out for you, and some pic's of the finished product, OK? Thanks

This is a bit long winded but shows three different solutions.
What he calls level 3 is just like a sump guard/skid plate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyktZ0T33HY&feature=emb_rel_end

Gen.Zhukov

Isambard wrote: »

i've just checked my Leaf and I can't see the cat, I reckon it's been nicked!

You're so amazeballs and we're so sh!t.

jmreire

elperello wrote: »

This is a bit long winded but shows three different solutions.
What he calls level 3 is just like a sump guard/skid plate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyktZ0T33HY&feature=emb_rel_end

I like the bit about replacing the two bolts with torx, that would work, that is if they have to remove it from the manifold because they can't get a grinder in there to cut it. And so would welding a rod along the length of it to stop the plumbers cutters from working, but I think that our scumbags would only use a 4" angle grinder,,,and to hell with the noise for the short time it takes to make the cut.
The metal guard ( and the one they show in the video is custom made ) is good too, but it's too light. The grinder would make short work of it. On the other hand, if it was made of 1/8" sheeting, that would be a different story. That would definitely make them look for a softer target.
There is another video on the same subject, basically the same ideas as above, but instead of a plate, the fix a metal iron bar cage over the cat. Looks much stronger than the plate, but the grinder would make even shorter work of that. But, again, it would add to the time element.

pablo128

You would be a while cutting through a rebar frame. A good while.

irishgirl19

My husband rang garage in Trim. Nice fella said they do the cover for €350. Although he said in his experience spurious cats are very rarely if ever get robbed. So have to decide if it's with getting one now that the horse has already bolted

jmreire

pablo128 wrote: »

You would be a while cutting through a rebar frame. A good while.

Anything that delay's the thieving scum is a good thing..if rebar takes them a bit longer, well and good. I've cut rebar myself, and never had any special difficulty's with it. But that was out in the open, and with plenty of space to maneuver. Trying to cut while lying on your back in the limited space underneath a car would be a horse of a different color entirely. I think that some manufacturers are now relocating the CAT to make it more difficult to remove, so at least thats a move in the right direction. CAT security was never much thought about in the design stage really, but when it is affecting sales, that will get their attention pretty quick.

pablo128

jmreire wrote: »

Anything that delay's the thieving scum is a good thing..if rebar takes them a bit longer, well and good. I've cut rebar myself, and never had any special difficulty's with it. But that was out in the open, and with plenty of space to maneuver. Trying to cut while lying on your back in the limited space underneath a car would be a horse of a different color entirely. I think that some manufacturers are now relocating the CAT to make it more difficult to remove, so at least thats a move in the right direction. CAT security was never much thought about in the design stage really, but when it is affecting sales, that will get their attention pretty quick.

If you made it so that they had to do 6 cuts through rebar before they get to the cat, I think that would do the trick. I could think of a simple frame off the top of my head which would require at least 6 cuts through rebar.

1 flat bar each side bolted to the body, 3 semi circles of bar from side to side, and 2 bars going length ways and bent up around the cat at each end.

elperello

pablo128 wrote: »

If you made it so that they had to do 6 cuts through rebar before they get to the cat, I think that would do the trick. I could think of a simple frame off the top of my head which would require at least 6 cuts through rebar.

1 flat bar each side bolted to the body, 3 semi circles of bar from side to side, and 2 bars going length ways and bent up around the cat at each end.

Sounds like the sort of thing that would make them move on.
Not too heavy either and cheap to make.

TheBoyConor

You forget who we are dealing with here. Any device like a lock or covering plate or rebar cage will be cut off quicker than you can say catalytic converter. And if they cannot cut it off they will tie a chain or strap around it and onto the hitch of the Hi-Ace and yank the whole exhaust system clean off of your car and go off down the road with it trailing after them until they find a quiet spot to pull in and cut the cat out of it.

Meanwhile, you're car will be left there pulled asunder with many thousands of € in damage at best and wrote off at worst.
It would be better to just let the cat as is so it can be removed easily without causing huge damage. Because they will take it either way, I assure you.

When did a lock ever stop the pavees from taking anything?

And no point telling the Gardai. What do you think the Guards are going to do? Stop them?

Manufactures hiding away cats more into the vehicles recesses will only result in more severe damage and write offs as thieves will increasingly adopt the "yank the whole thing apart with a tow chain" approach.

I have seen hitch locked and wheel locked Ifor Williams trailers that the owners thought were safe as houses robbed in seconds by pulling away with a tow chain around the drawbar. Wheel lock/clamp just hauled along the road with sparks and tyre smoke spewing from it.
Once back at the site, they will just fit a replacement wheel and cut out the hitch lock and they are away it .

If they want something, they will be taking it. Security locks or not.

hoodie6029

irishgirl19 wrote: »

My husband rang garage in Trim. Nice fella said they do the cover for €350. Although he said in his experience spurious cats are very rarely if ever get robbed. So have to decide if it's with getting one now that the horse has already bolted

Might have mis-remembered the quite from Autokey. If the finances allow, i'd get something fitted just for your own piece of mind, spurious cat or not, there's nothing to say they won't start targeting them.

It's a deterrent, like a locked gate or anything else, it might be enough to get them to move on from your property.

irishgirl19

hoodie6029 wrote: »

Might have mis-remembered the quite from Autokey. If the finances allow, i'd get something fitted just for your own piece of mind, spurious cat or not, there's nothing to say they won't start targeting them.

It's a deterrent, like a locked gate or anything else, it might be enough to get them to move on from your property.

I think I am going to get something. Just trying to decide between the cat cover (from garage you mentioned) or an alarm with a tilt sensor. They are both coming in the same price wise and I can only afford one or the other at the minute.
The guy in the garage in Trim said he seen some of the Catlocks and didn't think they were much use. I don't think he was just saying that for business either because he did say that it would be very unlikely someone would try steal my aftermarket cat but if we really wanted the cover they'd do it.
I'm not sure how long the aftermarket cat would last and I suppose then I'd have the get the cover removed if I needed to replace it (if I still had the car then)

tcawley29

The alarm probably isn't much use either. If they don't care about making noise cutting a cat they won't care about a blaring alarm

punisher5112

They will stab anyone gets in their way or use the saw or run you over.

No fear at all.

Gardai won't keep up with them either as they're very well organized.

elperello

irishgirl19 wrote: »

I think I am going to get something. Just trying to decide between the cat cover (from garage you mentioned) or an alarm with a tilt sensor. They are both coming in the same price wise and I can only afford one or the other at the minute.
The guy in the garage in Trim said he seen some of the Catlocks and didn't think they were much use. I don't think he was just saying that for business either because he did say that it would be very unlikely someone would try steal my aftermarket cat but if we really wanted the cover they'd do it.
I'm not sure how long the aftermarket cat would last and I suppose then I'd have the get the cover removed if I needed to replace it (if I still had the car then)

It's your decision at the end of the day. It depends on how much you want to spend and how much peace of mind you would get.

If you are fitting a cover it should be one that can be removed (not quickly of course) to allow fitting of a replacement cat.

Maybe worth bearing in mind that a cover might make your car easier to sell. Word is out there now about the problem and more and more people are becoming aware.

jmreire

irishgirl19 wrote: »

I think I am going to get something. Just trying to decide between the cat cover (from garage you mentioned) or an alarm with a tilt sensor. They are both coming in the same price wise and I can only afford one or the other at the minute.
The guy in the garage in Trim said he seen some of the Catlocks and didn't think they were much use. I don't think he was just saying that for business either because he did say that it would be very unlikely someone would try steal my aftermarket cat but if we really wanted the cover they'd do it.
I'm not sure how long the aftermarket cat would last and I suppose then I'd have the get the cover removed if I needed to replace it (if I still had the car then)

I would be going for either the cover or rebar cage options and replacing the two bolt's holding it on to the manifold.

TuringBot47

Are these all old gen 2 prius, any gen 3's been hit ?

TheBoyConor

This is all an absolute waste of time money and effort.
If they want it, they will take it, one way or another.

A seasoned, experienced and brazen thief will not be deterred in the slightest by these devices. They will happily rip, cut and tear their way through the car to get it. They know the Gardai will take time to respond and they have no fear. Do not try to stop them as they'd have no qualms about pulling a stilson wrench across your jaw, or any other kind of violence.

elperello

TuringBot47 wrote: »

Are these all old gen 2 prius, any gen 3's been hit ?

I think they are robbing them too.

This place sells covers for them and a lot of other models.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-2016-Toyota-Prius-Catalytic-Converter-Anti-Theft-Protection-Cover-Shield/283655149593?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20160323102634%26meid%3D42536a4222b84f84bc4ae758f70739be%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D283661401217%26itm%3D283655149593%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWeb&_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1

irishgirl19

Hi guys. Decided not to get the cover. Was in with my own mechanic today who said there's no point that they know what they're doing and know an aftermarket one isn't worth crap to them.

He also echoed what some of the posters here in the thread have said and said if there's a cover they'll just attach something to it and tow the whole thing off causing more damage.
He said it wouldn't have been a bad idea having one obviously before it was stolen but thinks it would've still been hit anyway if they wanted it badly enough

dkd21

If i had a Prius , I would remove the catalytic converter completely , get a straight pipe welded in place and use an o2 sensor emulator . Then sell the cat to your local scrap merchant or keep for the next owner

punisher5112

Someone should make up stickers.....

My cats already been stolen.... Don't waste your time.....

TuringBot47

I think we where shown the solution.

Keep the handbrake off and gears in neutral when parking.
More chance of the car rolling off their jack and crushing them.

Actually, I'm thinking if you could fit small "spikes" that could be placed around the edge of the car where they duck under to reach the cat.
You'd have to warn your normal mechanic and nct guys though.

FionnK86

irishgirl19 wrote: »

Guards sending someone later to see if they can get prints. They said with some of the tools these guys have a lock wouldn't stop them

Did they come to get prints?

I asked gym for CCTV and they kept it.

Guard then voicemailed me she’d requested footage several times from gym.

I forwarded voicemail to gym who said they’d not received one request.

elperello

TuringBot47 wrote: »

I think we where shown the solution.

Keep the handbrake off and gears in neutral when parking.
More chance of the car rolling off their jack and crushing them.

Actually, I'm thinking if you could fit small "spikes" that could be placed around the edge of the car where they duck under to reach the cat.
You'd have to warn your normal mechanic and nct guys though.

Can't leave a car parked without hand brake or in gear - it might roll away.

Can't put spikes, what about small kid reaching under to retrieve ball etc.

Back to the drawing board

irishgirl19

FionnK86 wrote: »

Did they come to get prints?

I asked gym for CCTV and they kept it.

Guard then voicemailed me she’d requested footage several times from gym.

I forwarded voicemail to gym who said they’d not received one request.

Yeah I was very surprised they actually came down within an hour. But they were wearing gloves he said

TuringBot47

elperello wrote: »

Can't leave a car parked without hand brake or in gear - it might roll away.

Have to check, if you keep the footbrake off.... but put the gears in park, would it roll a little... Enough to be unstable on a jack.

FionnK86

TuringBot47 wrote: »

Have to check, if you keep the footbrake off.... but put the gears in park, would it roll a little... Enough to be unstable on a jack.

The same travelling gangs pulling this off are also well versed on the art of compensation.

You’d sooner see a judge convict you of negligence and rewarded them, then convict them for theft.

This country needs someone who can clean up this issue, we’re at a disadvantage to other 1st world countries.

zilog_jones

The transmission park on the gen 3 Prius (don't know about others) only works with both front wheels on the ground. If you lift the front and turn one of the wheels, the other front wheel will rotate in the opposite direction. So if you lifted one side of the car with no parking brake or chocks, it will roll.

FionnK86

The guard looking after my car said they'd finally got superintendents permission to get CCTV the week before gym closed and now with lockdown they won't be able to review. Not really pushed to follow it up, only I've same car and will be going back to same place when this is all over so would like something done.

jc1001

I fell victim to these parasites on Saturday morning, broad daylight, parked outside my house, Stillorgan area. Neighbour disturbed them, but not before they had cut through the pipe just under the engine block and got their prize. 00 Yaris, with low mileage, but now probably a write-off, the f0ckers, I hope they enjoy their 100 EU from the cat. Does anyone know any motor-factors in the area that are open at the moment, or do they not fall under essential services. My usual garage is Atlas, but they are closed until the 5th.

FionnK86

jc1001 wrote: »

I fell victim to these parasites on Saturday morning, broad daylight, parked outside my house, Stillorgan area. Neighbour disturbed them, but not before they had cut through the pipe just under the engine block and got their prize. 00 Yaris, with low mileage, but now probably a write-off, the f0ckers, I hope they enjoy their 100 EU from the cat. Does anyone know any motor-factors in the area that are open at the moment, or do they not fall under essential services. My usual garage is Atlas, but they are closed until the 5th.

Sorry to read JC1001. They’ve done in a private estate? They’re getting bolder so, even with more people at home & guards patrolling! Majority of motor factors/yards are closed.

I’d suggest report to guards if you haven’t, then explain you’ll need to drive with loud noise until you’ve opportunity to replace. Despite the lack of follow up from guards in my particular case, they did provide me with this disposition after I requested.

My 01 Yaris and housemates 03 are sitting on our drive. I’m going to chain the cat once DIY places reopen. I thought they’d take a holiday from this but obviously not!

jc1001

FionnK86 wrote: »

Sorry to read JC1001. They’ve done in a private estate? They’re getting bolder so, even with more people at home & guards patrolling! Majority of motor factors/yards are closed.

I’d suggest report to guards if you haven’t, then explain you’ll need to drive with loud noise until you’ve opportunity to replace. Despite the lack of follow up from guards in my particular case, they did provide me with this disposition after I requested.

My 01 Yaris and housemates 03 are sitting on our drive. I’m going to chain the cat once DIY places reopen. I thought they’d take a holiday from this but obviously not!

Yeah private estate. I'd say they're not too worried about being caught - no real consequences for them if they are. The Gards were up alright after the neighbour reported it, and an incident recorded, but would be very surprised if I hear any more on it. I don't think I'll be driving it till it's fixed, TBH, noise is too much, and the petrol smell leaks into the cabin.

FionnK86

jc1001 wrote: »

Yeah private estate. I'd say they're not too worried about being caught - no real consequences for them if they are. The Gards were up alright after the neighbour reported it, and an incident recorded, but would be very surprised if I hear any more on it. I don't think I'll be driving it till it's fixed, TBH, noise is too much, and the petrol smell leaks into the cabin.

The travelling gangs who carry out this crime are quite brazen, I don't know why I thought they would be less so in this time.

The guards don't follow up because they can't get the cases through the courts. It's a blight on UK/Ireland that unfortunately, I don't think we'll ever be rid of, unless we start to take the law seriously.

The noise is very bad yes, I didn't have the fumes issue, but the noise convinced me to get it fixed the next weekend. At least there is less excuse for driving now!

10-10-20

jc1001 wrote: »

I fell victim to these parasites on Saturday morning, broad daylight, parked outside my house, Stillorgan area. Neighbour disturbed them, but not before they had cut through the pipe just under the engine block and got their prize. 00 Yaris, with low mileage, but now probably a write-off, the f0ckers, I hope they enjoy their 100 EU from the cat. Does anyone know any motor-factors in the area that are open at the moment, or do they not fall under essential services. My usual garage is Atlas, but they are closed until the 5th.

Edit: These guys are NOT open.
https://www.ashgroveinterparts.ie/

Del2005

FionnK86 wrote: »

The travelling gangs who carry out this crime are quite brazen, I don't know why I thought they would be less so in this time.

The guards don't follow up because they can't get the cases through the courts. It's a blight on UK/Ireland that unfortunately, I don't think we'll ever be rid of, unless we start to take the law seriously.

The noise is very bad yes, I didn't have the fumes issue, but the noise convinced me to get it fixed the next weekend. At least there is less excuse for driving now!

It could be stopped in seconds if scrap yards required phone ID for all purchases and proof of ownership, it would even stop the theft of ESB and other infrastructure cables. But that would be sensible and easily implemented so won't happen.

jc1001

Del2005 wrote: »

It could be stopped in seconds if scrap yards required phone ID for all purchases and proof of ownership, it would even stop the theft of ESB and other infrastructure cables. But that would be sensible and easily implemented so won't happen.

That would take common-sense, and this is Ireland ...

FionnK86

jc1001 wrote: »

That would take common-sense, and this is Ireland ...

Also, I know a member of same community that steals the cats for metal also owns a scrapyard in Louth that can melt them down and sell the materials which the purchaser can't track as it's raw material.

TheBoyConor

FionnK86 wrote: »

Sorry to read JC1001. They’ve done in a private estate? They’re getting bolder so, even with more people at home & guards patrolling! Majority of motor factors/yards are closed.

I’d suggest report to guards if you haven’t, then explain you’ll need to drive with loud noise until you’ve opportunity to replace. Despite the lack of follow up from guards in my particular case, they did provide me with this disposition after I requested.

My 01 Yaris and housemates 03 are sitting on our drive. I’m going to chain the cat once DIY places reopen. I thought they’d take a holiday from this but obviously not!

I fyou read my previous posts you'd see that chaining or locking the cat is not only completely futile and ineffective, but it can also result in an even greater level of destruction and damage as they will be quite happy to cut, rip, tear, bust and break their way through the car to get their prize. They don't care if they mangle and write off the car or not. if it is difficult to access they will tie a tow chain around the exhaust and wrench the whole thing free from your car using their jeep or transit and pull it off down the road behind them until they find a spot to pull in and cut it out of the exhaust pipe.
Don't for the life of you challenge them. They will be equally happy to pull a lump hammer or slash hook across your face if you try to stop them.

I dunno why anyone is bothered with the hassle of locks anyway. Sure your car is insured anyway. Just claim off of the insurance for repairs if it happens.

irishgirl19

Sorry to hear about your yaris. These scumbags are so brazen even with the guards stopping everyone they're still out stealing!

FionnK86

TheBoyConor wrote: »

I fyou read my previous posts you'd see that chaining or locking the cat is not only completely futile and ineffective, but it can also result in an even greater level of destruction and damage as they will be quite happy to cut, rip, tear, bust and break their way through the car to get their prize. They don't care if they mangle and write off the car or not. if it is difficult to access they will tie a tow chain around the exhaust and wrench the whole thing free from your car using their jeep or transit and pull it off down the road behind them until they find a spot to pull in and cut it out of the exhaust pipe.
Don't for the life of you challenge them. They will be equally happy to pull a lump hammer or slash hook across your face if you try to stop them.

I dunno why anyone is bothered with the hassle of locks anyway. Sure your car is insured anyway. Just claim off of the insurance for repairs if it happens.

If they take mine again, I won’t be investing in another Yaris. A chain is handy in my case as it would slow them taking it by the extra few minutes I’d have to spook them/record details.

I wouldn’t leave the house to challenge them, life’s not worth the €1000 to replace it. If I wanted to challenge them, I’d have continued the case with the guards. Unfortunately, you can’t change a way of life, especially when the courts don’t deter it.

The insurance situation isn’t as clear cut, in going to hazard a guess that other Yaris owners are like me in that they’ve bought the car because it’s cheap to insure and economical.

An insurance claim deducts No claims bonus, if I’m correct. 2 years NCB on my Yaris is worth €1500 off my insurance, so it’s more expensive to claim, then to replace exhaust. However if majority claimed, then insurers would be pushing cases like it through courts.

You’d wonder if the scrapyards melting down are open for business with all this going on, or are lads sitting on a haul of them, waiting for them to reopen?

TheBoyConor

A chain won't allow them down. They'll just pull it off with the transit and be gone.

What is the point getting details? Sure any reg numbers are probably fake or cloned and the Gardai aren't going to follow up, let alone the courts.

Waste of time. You take your chances and hope for the best but if it happens it happens.

Del2005

FionnK86 wrote: »

If they take mine again, I won’t be investing in another Yaris. A chain is handy in my case as it would slow them taking it by the extra few minutes I’d have to spook them/record details.

I wouldn’t leave the house to challenge them, life’s not worth the €1000 to replace it. If I wanted to challenge them, I’d have continued the case with the guards. Unfortunately, you can’t change a way of life, especially when the courts don’t deter it.

The insurance situation isn’t as clear cut, in going to hazard a guess that other Yaris owners are like me in that they’ve bought the car because it’s cheap to insure and economical.

An insurance claim deducts No claims bonus, if I’m correct. 2 years NCB on my Yaris is worth €1500 off my insurance, so it’s more expensive to claim, then to replace exhaust. However if majority claimed, then insurers would be pushing cases like it through courts.

You’d wonder if the scrapyards melting down are open for business with all this going on, or are lads sitting on a haul of them, waiting for them to reopen?

Theft claims don't usually affect NCD or premiums, check with your own insurance to be sure. If more people claim then the insurance companies could force though a change.

If they brought in ID for when a scrap yard purchases it would be easy enough to find out if they are producing more scrap than they are buying. I'd guess that the furnace they are using doesn't comply with environmental legislation .