Catalytic Converter Theft Deterrent

DuvelSteve

Jeep happy
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Joined
Dec 20, 2020
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Location
Southern California
Hi all,
I work for a large electrical utility fleet. We have had a bunch of Catalytic Convertors stolen in the last 24 months. Especially Ford F250/350s and Transit Vans. With all the world wide logistics issues, we have had trouble getting replacements, and trucks sit for weeks before replacement. We have increased security presence at our sites and centralized some of the vehicles that were parking in outlying or unmanned locations.

I wanted to share what we are doing to make the cats less desirable. This is a cut and paste document I sent out to our Fleet repair stations on how to reduce the theft. I know the (newer) Jeep community has been hit with a lot of cat theft and maybe sharing these actions will help someone.

Cheers
Steve


Subject: Catalytic Converter Theft Deterrent

All on-road vehicles with gasoline engines require a modification to deter catalytic converter thefts. Catalytic converter thefts are increasing, see Background Section below. At this time, off-road gasoline vehicles and diesel vehicles are not affected.

All catalytic convertors need to be marked. Vehicles requiring more protection a CatClamp securement device can be installed. Each garage is to determine the modification to use for each vehicle. The intent is to do this modification at the next schedule service.

When new vehicles are delivered, the garage will need to mark or secure the catalytic converter. This cannot be done until the license number is determined.

Parts for these modifications can be ordered through SAP or on-line with a credit card. Note: most Ford F-150 and 250 vehicles have two catalytic converters per vehicle.

Notifications for the existing vehicles will be online as “EFM 2021-05 Catalytic Converter Theft Deterrent by October 20, 2021. The marking/securement and notification completion “NOCO” must be completed by February 18, 2022.


MARKING OPTION

Mark the catalytic converter using an etching tool and a bright color heat-resistant paint. Required items for marking (Charge to garage overhead):
marking options.jpg

  • SAP#10215607 VHT Flame Proof Red
  • Si Fang Engraving Pen (See ordering information below)
The paint serves the purpose of notifying the would-be thief that the converter has been marked for identification. It also serves as notice to a scrap dealer that this is an identifiable converter.



Work Instructions for Marking Option

  • With the vehicle on the lift clean catalytic converter to prep for painting.
  • Paint with SAP VHT approved red paint. (Follow instructions on the can)
  • Engrave with vehicle license plate number. Make sure to engrave the Cat itself and not the heat shield if possible. See pictures below.
  • This process should take about one hour to complete.

cat painted.png


CLAMPING OPTION


For vehicles requiring more protection, the catalytic converter can be secured to the vehicle using securement clamp. The clamp shall be used in addition to the marking. Required items for securement:

Catclamp (https://catclamp.com/) (Create and charge to SAP Work Order.)

clamping option.png


Work Instruction for CatClamp Option

Parts list:

· (2) Top clamps (threaded) · (2) Bottom clamps (non-threaded) · (4) 2” shims · (4) 2.25” shims · (4) 2.5” shims · (4) 2.75” shims · (4) 3” shims · (4) Security bolts · (1) Security bit · (2) Heavy duty zip ties · (1) 40 ft Wire Rope


*Tool needed: ¼” ratcheting socket wrench

*Do not weld to your vehicle

*Do not cut additional wire rope

This option will take about one hour to install.

1. Selecting Shim Size

Clamps should be positioned as close to the converter as possible. Once location is chosen, select your shim. EX: 2” pipe will need 2” shims. (If unsure of pipe size, hold a shim against the pipe and choose the shim with the least amount of gap between shim and pipe.)



2. Assemble Clamps

With shims inserted into clamps, assembled clamps around the exhaust pipes close to the converter. (Top clamp on top of exhaust pipe and bottom clamp on bottom.) Insert tamper proof bolts and hand tighten only. Repeat with the second set of clamps on the other end of converter.



3. Routing the Rope

Route one end of the rope around the chassis or nonmoving durable portion of the underbody to the halfway point, creating two equal length working ends of the rope. Starting with clamp #1, feed the end of the rope through a top hole. Pull the entire working half through. Pull all slack out with each loop. Feed the end straight through the corresponding hole of clamp #2. Route the rope around the chassis or nonmoving durable portion of the underbody. Continue to the next hole down on clamp #2 and then through to the corresponding hole on clamp #1. Continue this pattern from top to bottom. Repeat these actions with the other working half of the wire rope, until every hole has a cable routed through creating the cage like pattern around the converter.

4.Tighten Clamps and Securing Wire Rope

Assure the clamps are still in desired position. Using the security bit, begin to tighten bolts. Alternate between left and right bolts to assure even tightening. Make sure the rope stays tight between clamps. Any extra cable, secure high up on the chassis with provided zip ties if necessary. Do not cut any additional length.



Final Check

Make sure clamps and cable are not touching any sensitive components of the vehicle, such as brake lines, electric lines, heat shields, any part of the drive train, etc. No cable should hang below the lowest part of the vehicle. Each vehicle is different and the CatClamp is a universal product. There are many different installation configurations with three to seven attachment points, depending on the vehicle.



BACKGROUND


The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that catalytic converter thefts are skyrocketing nationwide, and analysis shows California as the top state for thefts. In 2018 average monthly thefts in US were 108. In December of 2020 alone, there were 2347. Some additional facts:

From June 2020 to May 2021, we documented 10 catalytic converter thefts.

Ford F150’s and F250’s are popular targets so our theft number may increase absent some mitigation.

Each theft results in an average $3000 repair cost. Plus, there is the down time of the vehicle to consider.

Most catalytic converters do not have serial numbers making it difficult for law enforcement to prove a catalytic converter was stolen when recovered.

The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators and the Institute of Scrap Recycling believe encouraging vehicle owners to uniquely identify their catalytic converters so they can be associated with a vehicle will have a substantial effect on deterring theft.

clamping option.png
 
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Reactions: custommuffler
The upper cats on the Jeep really are what saves us. The lower doesn't throw a code so it's not as much value. Wrangler cat thefts are pretty rare because of this in my opinion. People still talk about how the rare shit is some value but I think that's total BS, otherwise engraving would do absolutely nothing. They have value because somebody is going to weld it in to pass smog somewhere.
 
The reason for the theft is not for reuse of the Convertors, its the precious metals used inside the convertor. Typically the A****** who take them sell them to an under the table recycler who will load up a cargo container and ship it off to China or some other country !
 
The reason for the theft is not for reuse of the Convertors, its the precious metals used inside the convertor. Typically the A****** who take them sell them to an under the table recycler who will load up a cargo container and ship it off to China or some other country !

Drugs....

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/car-exhaust-drug-craze-alarms-congos-capital-2021-09-27/
KINSHASA, Sept 27 (Reuters) - A new craze for a drug derived from crushed vehicle exhaust filters is rattling authorities in Kinshasa, triggering a campaign to stamp out the concoction and a related rash of car part thefts.

In August police rounded up and paraded nearly 100 alleged dealers and users of the drug "bombe", which means powerful in the local Lingala language, following a call to action by Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi.

The brown powder is obtained from crushing the ceramic honeycomb core of automotive catalytic converters, the device that cuts the emission of toxic gases in vehicle exhaust pipes.