Generation 3 Prius catalytic converters are not as hard to steal as I thought

After reviewing this YouTube video, I thought the Gen 3 cat was hard to steal and not readily targeted.

After several months of thinking on the issue and seeing a video of one stolen in the UK, I can see now how they are as steal as the Gen 2 models. It just a matter of cutting the right place with a Sawzall and not cutting the liquid preheater coolant lines.

 

This video from the UK of a cat stolen in minutes off of a Gen 3 got me thinking,

Knowing where to cut is very easy to determine. I don't want to help future thieves, here. Just like the Gen 2, it's two bolts and one cut and another on the oxygen sensor wire is all that's needed to take the cat out. They even know what is the best side from which to attack the cat.

 

The stupid idiot used an OEM scissors jack that is used for changing tires and never to get under a car. He was too cheap to but a $30 Walmart trolley jack or a $60 Harbor Freight aluminum jack.

Years ago, when they made steel bumpers, people regularly got injured or killed getting under cars supported only by bumper jacks.

Also, he was apparently a rank amateur, because he had cut into the pre-heater lines evidenced by the fluid leaking under the car.