Catalytic converter theft is a persistent issue for businesses with vehicle fleets. Theft of a single catalytic converter can significantly impact profitability, leading to costly repairs and vehicle downtime. Incidents of theft can also make employees feel unsafe, which affects morale on your team.
Businesses might turn to anti-theft accessories in an attempt to stop catalytic converter theft. The problem is that anti-theft devices like catalytic converter shields and locks don’t prevent theft. These items only make a determined criminal’s job a little harder. With tools like cordless reciprocating saws and angle grinders, criminals can cut through or around shields or other products. While anti-theft devices can be effective as part of a multi-layered security strategy, they aren’t enough to prevent theft as stand-alone solutions.
Other tactics also don’t do much to prevent theft on their own. Car alarms are easy to ignore in a busy metropolitan area, or may go unnoticed in a more rural location, and therefore won’t stop a determined thief. You can etch every single catalytic converter with a unique identifier, but this won’t stop these components from being stolen in the first place.
Preventing catalytic converter theft once and for all requires a proactive approach to physical security. This strategy is especially crucial for businesses in high-risk areas or those with vehicle fleets.
Electric Fencing vs. Catalytic Converter Shields
You may be familiar with anti-theft devices, like stainless steel catalytic converter shields. A catalytic converter shield or any other anti-theft product must be installed on each vehicle in your fleet. This fact comes with a few downsides:
- Less cost-effective: Buying a shield for every vehicle you own now — and each one you add to your fleet in the future — can affect your bottom line. Fleet owners may find it difficult to scale their business due to having to install a catalytic converter shield on every single car, truck, and van on the lot.
- Installation complexity: Certain products may require custom fitting or drilling, which adds labor hours and complicates future exhaust work that your vehicles may need.
- Incorrect fit: Installing a catalytic converter shield on a vehicle comes with risks if the fit is not right, like fasteners that rust over time, vibration in the vehicle, and loss of ground clearance.
- False sense of security: Catalytic converter shields can make business owners feel like their assets are protected. However, they do little to stop determined thieves with the right tools from targeting unattended vehicles.
That’s why you need more than anti-theft devices to protect your fleet. An electric fence is the first line of defense in a multi-layered security strategy. Electric fencing stops criminals at your property’s perimeter and keeps them from reaching assets in the first place.
Electric fences prevent catalytic converter theft in two primary ways. First, electric fences are visual deterrents. Would-be intruders see the clear yellow warning signs and often leave to find an easier target. Second, unlike catalytic converter shields, electric fences are physical deterrents, actively keeping thieves from entering your site.
Proactive Methods for Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
Implementing a unified security strategy with multiple layers is the most effective way to prevent catalytic converter theft. The following steps will help you create a stronger security posture.
1. Install an Electric Fence
Criminals can’t steal your catalytic converters if they can’t reach your fleet. That’s why a robust perimeter is critical to preventing external theft.
A chain-link fence won’t do the trick, as criminals can cut through it with a pair of wire cutters. The Electric Guard Dog™ Fence is installed inside of your existing chain-link fence. If a criminal attempts to breach the electric fence, they receive a safe but memorable pulsed electric shock. The Electric Guard Dog Fence is so effective at keeping criminals off a property that it prevents 99% of external theft after installation.
2. Enhance Your Access Control Systems
Your property’s entry and exit points are vulnerable and must be monitored all day and all night. Gate Access Control solutions include license plate recognition, credential readers, and AI cameras to increase security at your gates. The system operates 24/7, so fleet owners can cut staffing costs by eliminating the need to hire full-time security guards.
If you store extra catalytic converters in warehouses, you can enhance access control further by building intrusion detection systems. Protect your on-site structures and prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing your valuable inventory. You can monitor alerts any time, anywhere, with notifications via an easy-to-use app.
3. Enable Real-Time Detection and Intervention
In some jurisdictions, police must visually verify that a crime is underway before intervening. Businesses need a way to capture video evidence of a breach attempt in real time to initiate a fast response.
Record compelling video evidence and respond faster to potential threats with video surveillance cameras and remote monitoring systems. Combining electric fencing, surveillance cameras, and remote monitoring services, FORTIFEYE™ is a multi-layered security solution that supports dual verification needs and effectively protects your property.
Cameras keep watch of your entire perimeter and record any breach attempt in a livestream format. Meanwhile, security specialists are ready to verify a recorded breach attempt 24/7 and notify the police so they can arrive at your site as quickly as possible.
Stop Theft Before It Happens With AMAROK
Catalytic converter theft can have a major impact on a business, from costly vehicle downtime to reputational damage. It’s worth taking catalytic converter theft seriously, especially if you operate in a high-risk area. Whether you’ve been fighting external theft for years or want to proactively address it, AMAROK is ready to be your trusted perimeter security partner.
Our electric fence provides the foundation for perimeter security that works. With our security as a service model, you’ll pay no costs upfront to have The Electric Guard Dog Fence installed. Unlimited maintenance and repair services are included in one monthly subscription fee.
Put an end to catalytic converter theft at your property and safeguard your assets for good. Find your nearest AMAROK representative to get started or request a free threat assessment today.
