Neighbor's Prius catalytic converter stolen tonight

I guess it was bound to happen. Around midnight I heard a loud scraping metallic sound. Then neighbors shouting. A second generation Prius got its cat stolen.

I went outside and checked my car. It is fine. But I'm worried they might come back...

Shoot. Now to find and install a Cat Shield...

If anyone knows of a shop here in San Diego that installs them, let me know.

 

True. There are at least 5 or more Gen 3's in the complex, Gen 4's too. I think only 2 or 3 Gen 2's. The thieves were wearing ski masks and drove a black Chrysler sedan, according to the neighbors.

This is a quiet neighborhood, so you can hear everything at night, even distant freeway roar. They dared to be so loud and used a jack and some sort of power tool to cut off the converter. Crazy stuff!

 

I wonder if reverse parking to a spot or parking on an end space close to the curb will deter them. There's a guy here with a Corvette that puts a cover on it. Maybe I should pretend my car is special and cover it...

 

Thanks for the recommendation. My girlfriend drives my 2008 Gen 2, so I'll have to get a shield for that other car as well.
Hopefully, the shop will have the tool!

 

Great idea. Mix oil with water, or all three?

 

Unfortunately, I don't have an assigned spot for this particular car, so I park on any visitor space that's available. The cat theft victim's car was parked on one of those spots last night.

Also, I hear these thieves can act in broad daylight, even in the workplace. I heard about a Gen 3 crushing a person to death trying to steal the cat, just north of here, in the Los Angeles area.

Therefore, I just bit the bullet and bought the cat defender. I will ask a local muffler shop for a quote on installation...

 

Good idea. I'll camp out in it

Luckily the seller is here in California so I should get the shield soon!

 

I haven't noticed anybody following me. I pretty much know if someone doesn't live here. It's a secluded area on top of a hill with only two ways to get in and out of... My guess is the thieves simply drove around looking for an easy target. That Gen 2 fit the bill nicely...

 

Local muffler shop is quoting me $225 to install it. That's crazy . I'll try another place...

 

I thought about it, but I don't have a suitable jack for the job. I'd rather pay someone to make sure it's done right.