Catalytic Theft - Don't be a Victim!

Catalytic theft has become a major problem especially on Prius Hybrid and plug-in models.
This video explains why this is happening and how you can take steps to avoid having your catalytic converter stolen.

The video mentions the vehicles MOST targeted for catalytic theft. Other in demand vehicles include the Chevy Silverado, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, GMC Sierra, Toyota Corolla, Honda CRV, Dodge Ram 1500.

[jackvalley]

Yes, my Honda Element was one of the many that had the cat converter stolen. It is parked outside at an apartment building parking lot, so it's easy to steal at night. There is a big problem with insurance companies wanting to total the Honda Elements instead of having them repaired. I'm sure the reason is because of the cost associated with the huge repair expense, and Honda Elements are older vehicles no longer being made after 2011. I found a little hole in the wall shop in a small town that put in a new inexpensive cat converter in hoping the thieves would not want it because it's not Oem replacement equipment and had it spray painted Bright 💚 green, replaced the sensor, and had my vin number engraved in the cat converter, and had the pipes all welded in, total cost that I paid without using insurance was $450.00. Sad to say, but stolen catalytic converters are not the only big problem involved here in this theft, THERE IS ALSO THE CORRUPTION OF THE INSURANCE

[ferisarr]

Thank you very much for this information. I'm a risk manager and I'm dealing with a this problem right now. Thieves stole from one of our messenger vans (Nissan) the catalytic. In our case, the replacement cost is nearly $5, 000 and we have a $1, 000 deductible from the insurance. I bet insurance companies will either provide an exclusion for this part or will apply a higher deductible in new Auto Physical Damage policies. I'm subscribing to your channel!. Thanks!!

[Rustyhook]

You need to do more videos. They are top quality and have enjoyed all you have done. Keep them coming.

[Cartier_specialist]

I'd like to see the VIN added in the future but more importantly if they would crackdown on the places buying the catalytic converters the demand would cease to exist.

[Yellow-Rose]

Omg I had no idea I had a jewelry store inside my cat converter! This advice is gold itself. Thank you so much car Angel!

[Leonardokite]

Good advice but a little too late for me. I parked my motorhome in my driveway at the end of October and just a few days ago I went out to get a few things out of it and decided it would be a good time to start it up and run it for a bit. Nothing but a big roar! I knew immediately that I had been had and I looked underneath and indeed that was the case. My only saving grace is that in my state motorhomes don't need to have catalytic converters because they are not operated very often comparatively speaking to cars. So instead of 2500 it will be just a few hundred dollars or so to fill the gap. I now have surveillance cameras on order for my car parking area. At least I will have a chance to find out who did it.

[manthony]

The best way to stop this is to hold the people who are buying stolen CC's responsible. I don't see how engraving the VIN would help. Couldn't it just be scratched out?

[givemyselfthecreeps]

Hi mr Macke, I've been following your channel for a few years, and I want to say that you are constantly one of my favorite content-makers. Keep up the good work!

[thomasbasler]

You provided really good advice. I like the idea of requiring car manufactures to engrave your Vin number on the Catalytic Converter. I really enjoy your videos, always very informative. It has been a while since your last video. Stay well! Thank you

[dougj]

Thanks for posting. Excellent overview. One thing to add: Prius catalytic converters are manufactured with a higher amount of those precious metals than most new cars, from what I’ve heard on other YouTube videos.

[mrslcom]

Does the catalytic converter on my 20-year old car still have any value?

[landshass]

My 2007 Honda Accord with 350K miles was totaled in a side crash. My local junkyard offered to buy it for $700 if it still has the original factory catalytic converter, which it did. They paid $700, removed the Cadillac converter, and they crushed the rest of the car.

[bucshtt]

Very helpful advise. Thanks. Also keep a bat or club handy so you can ask the thief, 1 lump or 2? Be careful though.

[LayzeeGiant]

My 2023 Tundra came with a cat converter cover plate. Worth every penny for the piece of mind.

[DListening]

Thanks for the tip. I think I will paint my catalytic converter bright orange to make it stand out.

[michellewelch]

Good motivation to clean out the garage and park in the garage. Is all the garage junk worth leaving your car vulnerable to theft?

[JohnSmith-cbnk]

Thank you and please do more videos, your information is solid and fits a niche area of content on YT. Enjoy the way the info is presented.

[jimmysmithers]

Greg have you heard of the 600, 000 mile NYC taxi Toyota Prius with the original engine and hybrid battery?

[EpicNickbad]

Thanks Jordan Peterson 💪💪 love you bro

[ibmtpx]

The college in my neighborhood just had several cars lose their cat last week. People are suffering.