Owner of older model Prius . Catalytic converter stolen 4 times this year..same car

[Demovictory9]

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-09-07/catalytic-converter-theft-toyota-prius-old

‘Like a sitting duck’: The catalytic converter theft spree is hitting old Toyota Priuses



Nam Trinh knew something was wrong one morning in October when she turned on her 2008 Toyota Prius and heard a throaty roar, like a plane taking off.

Trinh had her wedge-shaped car repaired. But she heard the telltale growl again in January while she was in Sacramento. And again in February, in the parking garage of a Las Vegas casino. And again in March, at home in Los Angeles.


“By the fourth time, I was numb,” said Trinh, who works for a hospitality technology company and lives in Eagle Rock. “I had no emotions left. I was like, ‘Well, this is just how life is now. I guess my catalytic converter is going to be stolen every month.’”

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The second-generation Prius, sold from 2004 to 2009, has become a prime target for catalytic converter theft in California. The car’s shoebox-sized anti-pollution device contains trace amounts of precious metals and can fetch several hundred dollars from scrap yards and recyclers.

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Prius drivers grinding through the costly, time-consuming chore of replacing a catalytic converter say they’re frustrated that little has been done to stem the problem. Police don’t treat the issue as a priority, they said, and laws aimed at hobbling the black market trade in the devices haven’t helped.

“The Prius Owners’ Union needs to form and storm Sacramento,” Prius owner Michael Graff-Weisner, said half-jokingly. “We need our voices to be heard.”

Graff-Weisner’s gray 2006 Prius, which he parks on the street in West L.A., has had its converter stolen three times since 2019.

[underpants]

1. Great

I don’t have a Prius but I’ve got a car that looks just like one.

In 2008 when I was taking a bus to work from a park n ride several cars got hit like this in the parking lot. 3 in 5 days I think. Everyday we’d get off the bus and wait to see if anyones car made that horrible sound.

[arlyellowdog]

2. We installed the catalytic converter cover

Now the thieves pass us by because cutting through the protective device damages the blades of their saw and takes too much time. People say the protection has some performance issue (which we never noticed) but most old Priuses are not used for heavy duty travel purposes.

[mahina]

3. Install a shield. Best bet. Works.

[MissMillie]

4. I'm beginning to think that Lo-Jack should be installed inside the catalytic converter

Then the authorities can catch the folks stealing these things.

[hlthe2b]

5. I have one too. No theft but I am paranoid as hell. I registered with the international tracking

system that AAA-CO sponsors that includes the welded identifying numeric plate to deter and have those stickers in the windows. I park either in the garage or when necessary right at my door under the light and I have a motion-detecting light directed at the back of the vehicle.

And, I have a dog (who MIGHT bark) though the neighbor dogs are more likely to do so.

And, I keep my fingers crossed, especially in many areas of Denver--even/especially in parking lots.

It is so infuriating-- and I especially worry that if mine is stolen it may take time to get it replaced.

[doc03]

6. I wonder what makes the Prius converter so popular,

all cars have them. Someone stole several of them in broad daylight in the parking lot at the gym I go to. I saw a video of people steeling them in like 15 seconds.

[spooky3]

8. I read that they contain more of valuable substances than

Do ccs in other cars.

[tinrobot]

11. They're also easier to steal than most cars.

There's a list of vulnerable cars here:

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g40288617/cars-truck-catalytic-converter-theft

Thankfully, our car isn't on the list, the converter is inside the engine compartment and hard to reach.

[Lulu KC]

7. Jiffy Lube is providing a free service

Of etching an ID thing into them so they are worthless as scrap metal, they say.

[doc03]

9. I am sure those type people could get around that.

There are junk yards that will take anything no questions.

[bucolic_frolic]

10. Coat that exhaust system with bacon drippings

inhibits rust and will be unpleasant for any thief

[MichMan]

12. Owning a Prius will probably become more expensive to insure

[Bristlecone]

13. Same car, same thief.

Happens with batteries a lot also. Steal an old battery from a car that street parks in a residential part the city, they naturally get a new battery and park in the same area again. Thief comes back and steals the new battery.