Tundra Targeted By Catalytic Converter Thieves

Jason Lancaster | Mar 08, 2010 | Comments 16

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The Houston Chronicle is reporting that a ring of catalytic converter thieves who targeted new Toyota Tundras has been broken up. While this is good news for a number of Toyota dealerships in the Houston area, it underscores the seriousness of catalytic converter thefts. To many thieves, stealing a catalytic converter is “easy money,” yet for vehicle owners (and their insurance companies) it’s an incredibly expensive problem.

Why Catalytic Converters Are Stolen

Catalytic converter theft

Catalytic converters have value to thieves because they contain a variety of precious medals, all of which can be sold for scrap. Depending on the particular vehicle the catalytic converter comes from, the scrap value can range from $75 to $250 per converter. Unscrupulous scrap yards often don’t require proof that a converter came off of a wrecked or salvaged vehicle, making it far too easy for thieves to turn a quick profit.

Catalytic converters are also targeted because stealing them isn’t terribly complicated. All it takes is a portable saw and a dark place to work. SUVs and trucks are usually targeted because of their high ground clearance, which makes them easier to crawl underneath than passenger cars.

Tundra owners must be careful because newer models have four separate catalytic converters, each of which has a significant value. According to the Houston Chronicle, the recently broken-up theft ring was able to earn $80 per catalytic (or $320 per Tundra). This is a small percentage of the replacement cost, which is over $3500.

Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Tips

Like most things in life, a little bit of planning goes a long way. Here are some simple tips for keeping potential thieves away from your truck’s catalytic converters.

1. Park inside your garage. It’s obvious to be sure, but it works very well. Not only is your truck out of sight (and out of mind), but there’s a lot more risk involved in breaking into someone’s garage than there is crawling under a vehicle in the driveway or parked on the street.

2. Park in a well-lit area. Again, it’s obvious, but if you have to park outside at night, do so in a well-lit area. Lighting discourages thieves.

3. Install an alarm system. Just about every vehicle alarm system includes a shock sensor, which can detect the vibrations of someone’s portable saw if it’s setup properly. Upgrades like a proximity sensor are nice as well, but it’s sometimes difficult to get the settings just right, so you’ll want to spend some time calibrating everything if you decide to go this route.

CatClamp and CatLock

4. Install a special catalytic converter theft deterrent. Full disclosure – no anti-theft system can stop a thief. However, both the CatClamp and the CatLock are interesting systems that will deter theft simply because they appear impenetrable (even though they’re fairly simple to defeat). They’re also sort of expensive – $100-$300 per device, which means it would cost $400-$1200 to protect all of the catalytics on a Tundra. Still, if your neighborhood is constantly the target of these thieves, they’re an option worth considering.

Dog might prevent theft

5. Get a dog. They’re easily the most expensive anti-theft device on this list, and they’re never guaranteed to work, but it’s a good bet your dog will make some noise if someone is crawling around on your driveway in the middle of the night.

Filed Under: Tundra News

Tundra Targeted By Catalytic Converter Thieves

Why Catalytic Converters Are Stolen

Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Tips

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