Catalytic converter theft protection?

It's a shame how out of control it's getting everywhere with the CC. I never want to drive to MPLS here in Minnesota because i'm afraid someone will take my CC.

 

Bought this Cat Protection plate last year for my 2013 Tacoma and both front and rear Cat plates for my 2020 Tundra. Purchased separate security bolts for extra deterrent and these plates don't require any extra drilling either.

 

Can you and anyone else who's already installed a protective shield tells us if these have helped to prevent the thief of your C/C's? I'm sure we all could use a bit of good news for all the money spent and hard work installing these shields. Thanks!

 

Honestly the only evidence is I still have all my cats intact on my 2 trucks. There is no way of knowing if I've been scouted out and then the thief or thieves changed their minds after going underneath my truck(s) and seeing the plates. I have cameras outside at my house but I don't check them everyday unless I have a reason to.

Biggest thing these cat plates gave me was piece of mind, the plates are a deterrent not theft proof. IMO these plates encourage a thief to go elsewhere for an easier quicker target as opposed to spending more time and effort to get to my cats and then cut them off.

 

This.

Make it harder than the next truck down the road.

 

That's exactly what we want to hear, after a year and you still have everything intact. Your right, the only way of knowing that these shields are working is that they are still there, just like locking wheel lugnuts, locking gas caps or car alarms. I'm going the extra mile by adding an alarm system, extra siren under the Tacoma, engraving the Cats, and hopefully a fuel tank shield. Except for the alarm system, I'm doing everything myself and will probably spend under a thousand for parts and labor. I looked up the cost of repairs or replacement to the fuel tank and the four Cats on my Tacoma, and it scared the crap out of me. A new tank alone cost $800, and I read somewhere to replace all four Cats estimates around $4500...yikes. I know that I'd be pissed off if I didn't at least try and protect my investment. Thanks.

 

Yup, here in good ole Comifornia, cats have to be carb approved. There is like ONE aftermarket cat thats CARB approved and its pretty much just as much as OEM ones at around 3k$ in parts for JUST the rear cats.

A metal gas tank skid might be something else to consider given the crazy gas prices.

 

I got the Miller Cat Shield a month after buying my Taco when our neighbors started reporting cat thefts (we park our vehicles outside). While I waited for it to arrive I was dreading walking out every morning and bracing for the possibility that the thieves would have hit our home. Thankfully my shield arrived quickly and I installed it the next day. So far the thefts in the area haven't stopped, but my cats are safe. It certainly increases your peace of mind.

 

How much did you pay for them, my dad just got his cat stolen today

 

How common is cat theft and why/where does it happen

I park outside daily and have had no issues

 

I see it going on here in Hawaii once in a while. Along with tailgate thefts, since Tacoma's are just so damn popular here.

 

Tailgate anti theft device is $25 vs $300 skidplate

 

Well said Bob, the presence of it is at least comforting.

 

Anyone know if there are steel skid plates for fuel tanks? Had a few places report someone drilling holes in fuel tanks around my area.

Nevermind I just found a good one.

https://www.victory4x4.com/product/VT23SD-TNK.html

 

Also found this for 4wd tacos on Amazon.
Catalytic Converter Protection Shield Aluminium For 2005-2015 To-yota Tacoma 4WD Only- 100% Accuracy of Fit

$152 Tacoma Catalytic Converter Protection Shield Aluminium With screw For 2005-2015 To-yota Tacoma 4WD Only- 100% Accuracy of Fit - catalytic converter anti theft

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SPL5XFX?_encoding=UTF8

 

A friend of mine had a cat cover on his wife's Prius, installed with 3 different types of screws, bolts, and torx. The theives neatly unscrewed them all and left them there and took the cat. $1500.

 

Yup, it sucks to have to spend money either way to protect your truck.

 

RCI

 

I like it.. was it expensive? This kind of theft is why I keep my truck in the garage.

 

I like it!