Continuing Saga and a new error code

Hello all,
So, I have been repairing my truck from a faulty coolant temp sensor while fumbling along making a couple mistakes as well as ending up replacing additional parts that needed it.
So far while replacing the ECT I broke one off inside the engine block (the only big mistake really, due to a defective torque wrench), I've replaced the coolant bypass pipe and just finished replacing the cylinder head gaskets, sparkplugs, and two coils. Everything has been pretty fine, I've just been biding my time for better weather since I'm doing this on a side street. I did most of the gaskets yesterday and today.
I was remounting the cylinder head cover when I dropped one of the e6 posts into the engine and it didn't drop through...
*brace yourself for a real twist in the story*
I got under the truck to see if I couldn't see where it got to.. I actually spotted it pretty quick. Such luck! As I'm going to reach for it I notice something not normal.. my exhausted just seemed to end a couple feet after the exhaust manifold..and then I looked to my right toward the end of the truck and there was another opening on the exhaust.. and then I saw they were cut marks..and it clicked... some basturd stole my catalytic converter!
This was yesterday.. I carried on with the repair today once it got nice.. started it up, got codes for o2 sensor and misfires.. switched the coils and the misfires followed the change.. replaced those and now no cylinder misfires! woo!
I drove around the block though and the truck seems sluggish and it is throwing a P0037 (oxygen sensor heater control circuit low(bank 1 sensor 2))
My question: If the sensor was damaged or removed when they stole the CC would that cause the issue I'm experiencing? Thanks for any time and responses!

 

Yes it would and from what I've seen they usually cut the wires on the O2 sensor and take it with the converters.

We got a 16 Tundra at the shop right now that had all 4 cats and downstream sensors swiped.
Total cost to repair with OE parts is over $7k, aftermarket cats aren't available for it.

It's getting scary, we've had 5 vehicles come to the shop in the last 3 months that had converters swiped and this is a small town/rural area.

 

Woof. Not good indeed.
So.. I guess I am now pivoting to asking what good options are for replacing CCs.. ill reach out to my insurance but feel I could probably do better with aftermarket.. I have access to a MIG/TIG welder..

 

Thanks for all your help through the various threads, it's been a huge help and greatly appreciated!
Shout out to TNshooter as well.

 

I couldn't tell you, aftermarket ones are hit or miss whether A: they will fit without modification and/or B: they will throw a P0420 again in a couple hundred miles.

 

I used “Walker” products from manifolds back
I think my 05 had 3 cats new O2 from Rocl Auto. Never had issues

 

we see 5 a week

Used to be just the 2nd gen prius, and then it was Honda CRVs.. now they're swiping the secondary cats from 4.0 tacomas even though they probably aren't worth much.

 

Wow prior to this year we maybe had 1 per year, I hope it doesn't get that bad here. I hate exhaust work not to mention the damage to the vehicle and the ridiculous cost of converters these days.

 

The biggest time suck is dealing with the insurance companies and advocating for the customers to get the right parts approved. They always want to go with cheap converters

 

I have comprehensive and am trying to get a payout assessment without full on committing to the claim, 500$ deductible, and possible hike in rates. I just wanna take the check and try for a pull apart find and get a cat cage, because I don't see this problem going away (esp. in Chicago) and I don't have a garage..

 

Thanks for this advice. Much appreciated

 

whoops, apparently selling used catalytic converters is illegal. sooooo never mind. haha