38 replies to this topic

[BuffaloRon]

Isn't there a way you can weld a lock or something onto them that makes it more difficult to steal them?

No, they are being cut off, and if you were able to somehow put some sort of a lock system on them, the perps would just cut the lock off with it. I've heard that auto manufacturers may be considering installing some sort of a plate to deter access. Chances are, the perps will end up removing the plate, then cut off the cat.

[FatBear]

Thanks for the heads up... I'll be sure to let my neighbors know.

Just a little FYI, now's the time of the year that certain people like to prey on others, usually for monetary gain.

My neighbor who lives two doors down had his catalytic converter stolen Friday night while his vehicle was parked in front of his house. This happened on Mallard Circle in the Willow Springs Subdivision. It appears that someone crawled underneath his 4Runner and cut the converter out in the middle of the night. Just wondering if anyone else in Willow Springs experienced a similar incident?

Be a good neighbor and keep an eye open for others; if something doesn't appear normal, report it to the police. What's ironic, is that we have a neighborhood watch program in place. These guys were apparently quiet and quick.

[FatBear]

So, I haven't heard from any Willow Springs residents, or have I? Does anybody know if any other vehicles had catalytic convertors stolen on the weekend between 12-7 to 12-9. I'm wondering if this was a random hit, or were the perps working the area?

I live on Donnelly Circle, but haven't heard anything... I'll be sure to let my neighbors know, as quite a few park their vehicles outside.

[BuffaloRon]

I live on Donnelly Circle, but haven't heard anything... I'll be sure to let my neighbors know, as quite a few park their vehicles outside.

Cool, I'm sure they'll appreciate that. It's a good thing to watch out for each other.

[BigKen]

Add another to the tally. Mine was stolen on from my 1997 Toyota Tacoma parked on Young Wo Circle just off of Natomas and Folsom Blvd. They just quietly unbolted it and were gone.
I made the police write it up and I suggest that others do the same. This is not petty theft and needs to get more attention.

[Folsom Daycare Provider]

This just happened to a friend of ours last week, he was parked at the light rail station here in Folsom.

[MSgt]

When we have to leave a vehicle in the driveway overnight we back it in to where the rear of the car is almost touching the garage. I hope this helps, we thought it would be better than leaving the back end hanging out as an invitation.

[chris v]

Cat. converters aren't at the back of the vehicle. I'd say on average they are right about under the front seats on most vehicles.

[MSgt]

Cat. converters aren't at the back of the vehicle. I'd say on average they are right about under the front seats on most vehicles.

crap - ok I'll buy a mean dog and chain him to the bumper then.

[Howdy]

I have a 4runner and my cat is tacked in along with being bolted. Its not impossible to steal if they bring along a cordless sawsall and just cut it out.

Then again its sitting in the garage getting the rear coils swapped out for leafs, so I think its pretty safe in there.

[Bill Z]

if people would just get rid of all the junk in their garages, they'd have room to park the car out of reach of the thug scum punk thieves (and out of the bad weather, too). Just another of my random thoughts....

So true, I'm amazed at how many of my neighbors have garages full of junk so their cars are in the driveway.

[chris v]

So true, I'm amazed at how many of my neighbors have garages full of junk so their cars are in the driveway.

[BigKen]

So true, I'm amazed at how many of my neighbors have garages full of junk so their cars are in the driveway.

I get your point I guess, but friends and I were visiting my sister and she does not have a 4 car garage or a secure lighted parking lot. This type of theft is simply too easy and too lucrative. There is no way to trace the parts and the Toyota stock converters are worth about $100 or so each as scrap. Scrap dealers don't ask too many questions and they are not required to. They are even soliciting on craigslist.

http://sacramento.cr.../567474035.html
http://sacramento.cr.../569590964.html
http://sacramento.cr.../570909205.html

Who are these people? To whom are they soliciting? I presume that businesses selling scrap already know where to take it.
By the way, the replacement for my truck runs $800 at the dealer. Luckily I was able to get a cheaper replacement installed at Marco Muffler for only $385. No big deal, it's only money, right?

Odd thing is, many that I have talked to at parts stores and just around town seem to at least know of or know someone who has had one stolen. Hell, the officer who took my report told me that this was roughly the 20th one stolen so far this year in Folsom.

Something needs to be done.

[Darth Lefty]

I BOUGHT a cat for my '83 for way less than a hundred bucks. Where are they paying that for them?

[Andrea V]

Yeah, but ours is full of MOTORCYCLES..... and we have an extra LONG drive way, so it is not like the cars are on the street.