Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

[cafemoc]

well...right before Christmas my wife called me to my cell, saying that her 94 Toyota 4 Runner got Catalytic converter stolen while she was at grocery store.
She noticed it right away when she started engine, mechanic was 2 blocks away, so she drove to the garage. My mechanic told me that Catalytic converter theft was really common in the area, he installed 2 already, his muffler shop installed 3, next door mechanic said he had done 3 so far. Mostly Toyota 4 Runners...I don't know why cop can't stop this stupid thing
I saw grocery store's security camera, it wasn't clear, but it was 2 men team, and guys did it in 5 minutes.
So she started to park her 4 Runner right front of Grocery store, or busy area. It costed me $500 to put new Cat in, and I don't know if new one is going to last how long...have you heard Catalytic converter theft in your area?

[Ryan L.]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

I heard about this, not sure if it was in my area or not. The reason I heard for the theft was the metal inside them is easily sold for some good money. When I was offroading once, I had to help a guy underneath his Toyota and I noticed that it was bolt on, so maybe thats why they are prone to being stolen?

Sorry to hear about that...

Ryan

[benhui86]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

could be the muffler shops doing it.....

we use to have hub cap theft problem and all the stolen hub caps somehow always happen to end up in that one shop that sells mostly hub caps and some used rims.... can tell they are the same ones that were stolen b/c they have same scratchs and wears....

[roushstage2]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

There are chain/razor like tools (I have no idea what they are called) and they'll cut through exhaust tubing in a short time. Just move them back and forth. One guy above and one below. 5 minutes would be about right.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

Glad my cars are very low to the ground so getting under them in a parking lot would be a pain. Unfortunately that makes the SUV parked next to me an easier target I suppose. It's sad that not everyone is smart enough to be able to get a real job. Guess that whole "stay in school" thing makes sense, huh?

[Deaner5]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

I've seen a story or two on the news about it here in the Twin Cities metro area. Yeah, it is sad that people resort to damaging other people's property, especially thier cars or homes.

[sneek]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

:P to prevent Cat theft get straight pipes.

I guess these thieves recycle the platinum inside of the Cat. There is platinum inside to catlyize the reaction reducing emissions...me thinks, so there must be a way to clean off the platinum and sell it. I didn't know that people did this kind of thing though.

[roushstage2]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

That's why they're on the expensive side too.

[Joe's detailing]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

.have you heard Catalytic converter theft in your area?

No this is news to me ...
I dislike catalytic converters to (costly to repair) when they go bad on my vehicle, I usually cut them off and run straight pipe and increase my HP by 10%...
Out of curiosity what state do you re-side in...?

[yalerd]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

Never heard about that, it doesn't happen in this country that type of stealing. Hope it doesn't start!

[cafemoc]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

There are chain/razor like tools (I have no idea what they are called) and they'll cut through exhaust tubing in a short time. Just move them back and forth. One guy above and one below. 5 minutes would be about right.

Toyota 4 Runner has 4 bolts to secure cat, and theft removed bolts.
My mechanic told me that I could weld new cat, however next time theft could cut pipe instead which cost me more money to repair
So I had it bolted back on.

[G Force]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

I once had my water pump stolen from under my locked car it was night time, the hoses and belt had been cut off

A friend of mine had his front wind screen stolen.

Another friend his dash board.

Try and ask your garage to spot weld a quarter inch still rod along the exhaust,the bad guys will need to knock it out or use a rechargeable grinder.

[roushstage2]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

Toyota 4 Runner has 4 bolts to secure cat, and theft removed bolts.
My mechanic told me that I could weld new cat, however next time theft could cut pipe instead which cost me more money to repair
So I had it bolted back on.

Either way apparently then. That *****!

[cnfowler]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

I would have had that sucker welded back on. I would be amazed if the thieves would take the time to mess with a car that would end up being more trouble than unbolting a few bolts. When hitting vehicles in parking lots it's all about getting in and getting out quickly. If they slide under the 4Runner and realize it's welded I'm sure they'll pass it up for a more easy target. Just my opinion.

[Jeepster04]

Re: Catalytic converter theft in Los Angeles

Having them welded on wont do a thing. And they target Jeeps/SUV's since they can get under them easier.

My old GF's cat got stolen from her Jeep in her dorms parking lot last semester. It was welded on so they just used a cordless reciprocating saw. They did it in broad daylight as one of her friends drove an old truck and parked beside my ex's Jeep that morning at 9am. By that evening around 5pm they were gone from both the Jeep and the truck.

I put a straight pipe in it the next day in the parking lot for around $10. Pretty sure shes not had one stolen since.

One thing that sucked about hers, she couldnt even drive since the exhaust fell down after they cut it. The hanger for it was right before the cat, so the muffler fell down.