Picture this: You’re ready for work, keys in hand, and as you ignite your car’s engine, a startling roar and vibration seize the moment. In Canada, the immediate thought strikes – your catalytic converter might be missing.
This hunch deepens into certainty when, trying to pull away, the car’s performance deteriorates, marked by worsening sputters and an illuminated engine warning light on your dashboard.
Then, as the air becomes thick with the scent of noxious fumes, you step outside, only to confirm your fears: Your catalytic converter has indeed been stolen!
This unfortunate scenario is all too common for owners of cars, pickups, SUVs, and hybrids across Canadian cities.
This blog is tailored for those seeking help in how to prevent catalytic converter theft in Canada. We highlight top-tier products and introduce an added layer of security for the area surrounding your parked vehicle.
Why is catalytic converter theft on the rise in Canada?
Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed across Canada due to:
- The high value of the metals it contains
- How easy it is to steal
- How hard it is to catch catalytic converter thieves
The high value of the metals it contains:
Thieves targeting catalytic converters are drawn to the precious metals inside, including rhodium, palladium, and platinum.
The high value and scarcity of these metals motivate them to carefully extract each catalytic converter, given their robust demand and limited availability.
Here, we have done some research on these metals’ 2024 prices:
- Gold $94.7
- Rhodium $148.7
- Palladium $44.81
- Platinum $ 39.6
You can now clearly see that collectively they are even more valuable than gold!
How easy it is to steal:
According to Bryan Gast, employed at an insurance fraud prevention agency, catalytic converters rank among the easiest auto parts to steal.
Thieves might spend a mere 2 minutes slipping under a car to use a portable saw or grinder to remove a catalytic converter.
Stealing from an SUV or truck is even simpler because they are higher off the ground. Getting in and out with the catalytic converter may take a little over a minute; all they need to do is cut it out.
How hard it is to catch catalytic converter thieves:
Once catalytic converters are stolen, tracing and prosecuting becomes more difficult. They are swiftly dismantled to extract the metals mentioned earlier, erasing any evidence of the VIN etched on the catalytic converter itself.
Which vehicles are high targets for catalytic converters:
Manitoba public insurance shares its list of highly targeted vehicles for catalytic converter theft based on the insurance claims they receive.
Here is the list, and Hyundai Tucson is at the top of the list:
- Hyundai Tucson
- Honda CR-V
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Kia Sportage
- Mitsubishi RVR
The Prius, being a hybrid vehicle, faces a heightened risk of catalytic converter theft due to it having two converters. This equates to a double bounty of valuable metals for thieves.
However, taller vehicles are more susceptible to catalytic converter theft because it is easy to slide in and cut the catalytic converter out.
But even lower ones aren’t immune, as thieves can simply jack up the car and see it out. Only electric cars are exempt from this threat as they don’t have a catalytic converter!
Is it against the law to operate a vehicle without a catalytic converter in Canada?
Beyond the expense of replacing a stolen catalytic converter, driving without one can lead to fines and penalties due to the significant increase in hazardous emissions released by your vehicle.
Catalytic converters are integral components installed in the exhaust system of cars to mitigate the release of harmful emissions from the tailpipe. The costs can vary widely depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
For instance, a high-end catalytic converter could set you back around $794, while a standard one might cost approximately $150.
How do I protect my catalytic converter from theft?
There are several layers of security measures you can implement to prevent theft of your catalytic converter. The first layer involves using physical security devices.
The second layer focuses on enhancing security where you park your vehicle. Let’s delve into both of these layers.
Add physical layers to prevent catalytic converter theft:
To protect your catalytic converter from theft, follow the following physical security measures:
- Etch your VIN on the catalytic converter.
- Encase the catalytic converter with a wire cage.
- Guard against theft with a Catstrap.
- Secure firmly with a strong Catclamp.
- Surround your car with FoilemFence.
- Color your catalytic converter with neon paints.
- Activate a motion alarm.
- Install a catalytic converter protector shield.
Etch your VIN on the catalytic converter.
Etching Vin is one of the most common and important precautions you can take to avoid theft. Engraving the complete Vehicle identification number (VIN) is called etching.
Not limited to just the catalytic converter, etching your vehicle identification number (VIN) onto your car windows can also deter theft.
The principle behind etching is that the VIN is recorded in law enforcement databases.
Consequently, if a thief attempts to sell your stolen catalytic converter, there’s a possibility, albeit slim, that if the theft is reported, authorities could trace it back to you.
How to etch your VIN on a catalytic converter:
You can inquire directly with local automotive shops, dealerships, or speciality service centers to get quotes and information on where to have this done. You can even etch the VIN yourself with an etching kit.
The engraving pen depicted in the above image is a versatile tool designed for etching on various surfaces including ceramic, wood, plastic, and particularly metal. Priced at $13, it offers good value for money.
Additionally, you can use it to etch your windows or the inside of your bumper, providing an added layer of security.
Image courtesy of Amazon
The electric engraver tool featured above is another valuable discovery, conveniently priced at $17 and readily available. It includes an engraving stencil with numbers and letters, which significantly simplifies your task.
Encase the catalytic converter with a wire cage.
A steel wire cage can be installed around the converter, welded, and bolted to the underside of the car. The thieves will have to cut this cage first and then the converter.
The time required to take this additional piece out is often enough to deter thieves who prefer an easier target.
In Edmonton, John Kloosterman took proactive measures to protect his catalytic converter. He installed a wire cage and even designed a metal pallet wrapped with barbed wire, placing it under his car.
The intention was to deter thieves by making it dangerous for them to slide under the car. The wire cage and barbed wire setup would buy him time to call the authorities if thieves attempted to steal his catalytic converter.
Guard against theft with a Catstrap.
Catstrap is a protective belt consisting of three layers of steel blade sheets with a high temperature-resistant orange exterior. It can be easily attached using a heat-activated adhesive backing.
The steel blades are exceptionally strong, capable of resisting cutting attempts and potentially damaging the cutting tools.
Catstraps are compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including gas and hybrid cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, vans, buses, and diesel trucks.
Secure firmly with a strong CatClamp.
This catalytic converter anti-theft device attaches to the exhaust pipes instead of the converter itself, allowing effective heat dissipation.
The device features a 5/16” thick stainless steel 40′ rope, which serves as a strong defense against theft.
Since it doesn’t attach directly to the converter, it is compatible with almost all vehicles. However, there are special CatClamps available for gasoline engines and small diesel engines.
Additionally, model-specific kits are available. For example, for medium-duty trucks that have two catalytic converters, a single kit can protect both.
Surround your car with FoilemFence.
Fence your car with this unique catalytic converter anti-theft device called FoilemFence. It’s an award-winning invention known for its effectiveness. This smart device comprises three pieces that users can easily join together.
Place it on the floor, then drive the car onto the pads. Once you drive the car over it, the device securely locks the vehicle in place.
Paint your catalytic converter with neon colors.
Painting your catalytic converter in heat-resistant bright or neon colors is also a theft deterrent measure. When thieves attempt to sell it, legitimate scrap metal recyclers recognize painted converters as potentially stolen.
Additionally, if you have your VIN etched onto it, as explained earlier, there’s a chance of recovering your catalytic converter.
However, this only applies if thieves attempt to resell it rather than breaking it down for precious metals at a private junkyard.
Install and activate a motion alarm.
You have the option to install the alarms themselves or use the services of professional installers.
The catalytic converter alarm is available in two versions: one for vehicles with low ground clearance and another for those with high ground clearance.
Fast guard motion alarms come with additional features such as glow-in-the-dark signs and thermal pads for added protection.
Catalytic converter protector shield.
The catalytic converter protector shield is a steel plate compatible with different catalytic converters. It adds extra security to prevent theft and tampering. It is designed to be tough and hides the converter.
To install, align the protector over the catalytic converter and use the included screws to secure it firmly.
Tighten the screws well to prevent easy removal of the protector. Priced at $60, it’s a good investment for safeguarding your vehicle’s catalytic converter.
Securing the area where the vehicle is parked:
Install CCTV security cameras:
When you install CCTV cameras in your garage, you have a good view of what’s happening and who’s passing by. However, this self-monitoring system doesn’t yield as many benefits as monitored security systems.
Self-monitoring may be viable if you own only a few vehicles, but Linking cameras with remote video monitoring centers is essential for larger operations such as parking lots or car dealerships with hundreds of cars.
If you operate a dealership or parking lot, it’s important to keep cars and the area safe from stealing and damage. With the help of security workers, place cameras in smart spots to cover as much as possible.
Integrate the cameras with remote video monitoring:
Linking your security cameras to a trusted remote live video monitoring center can deter thieves and vandals before they commit a crime.
When finding a security breach, like an unauthorized vehicle or individual entering the surveillance zone, the camera quickly send a video alarm to the monitoring center.
In that place, trained security staff quickly check videos to make sure there’s a danger. Once they’re sure, they carefully follow each client’s set plan, which might involve talking to the person, calling the police, or contacting emergency contacts.
To enhance threat detection capabilities, AI solutions can layer object and loitering detection on video footage.
Object detection: The monitoring center swiftly receives a video alarm as soon as an individual or car enters a specific surveillance zone of your business. The AI can detect specific objects even when only part of them is visible to the camera.
Loitering detection: When individuals remain in the surveillance area for a set period of time, the center receives a video alarm for quick review by an operator.
Conclusion:
Protecting your catalytic converter is essential due to the high replacement costs associated with theft. However, merely replacing it doesn’t guarantee it won’t be stolen again.
In this article, we’ve highlighted proven catalytic converter theft protection devices. While they may offer an added layer of security to prevent theft, they may also save you valuable time.
By adding another layer of protection with CCTV security cameras connected to a remote video monitoring center, you can prevent crimes before they occur.
Contact us for a customized security solution for your auto dealerships and parking lots to combat the threat of catalytic converter theft.
