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How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:13 pm
by claireheal
Hi everyone,
Only had my lovely Bongo (2.5l, V6, 1999) for 2 weeks and someone's stolen a section of the exhaust, I assume for the catalytic converter!
Trying to find a local secure garage to park her in from now on, but that might not be possible.
So, is there an additional cover or alarm or something to make the exhaust/cat more secure, ie harder to steal?!
All suggestions gratefully received.
Many thanks.
Claire :)

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:56 pm
by Bob
Hello Claire, warm welcome.

Sorry to hear you've been targeted by those scum. :twisted:

Don't know your circumstances, but if you park on your drive maybe cameras?

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:50 pm
by Harv
Do a search for catalyst protectors, there are a few products.. A well known one is catloc.co.uk,

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2021 1:54 pm
by Winnie-bongo
As you have a pre September 2002 you don't need a cat so can just put a piece of pipe in to replace the stolen cat, as the Bongo should have a non cat test at mot time 🚐

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2021 3:53 pm
by Bob
That's good info. :)

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2021 11:36 pm
by claireheal
Thanks chaps, appreciate your helpful suggestions.
Claire :D

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2021 9:06 am
by Ian
However, this i also from the MOT testers guide:

"If a cat was fitted at the time of manufacture then it must be fitted at the time of inspection."

That doesn't mean it has to be tested, just present.

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2021 12:25 pm
by claireheal
Bob wrote: Sat Oct 16, 2021 8:56 pm Hello Claire, warm welcome.

Sorry to hear you've been targeted by those scum. :twisted:

Don't know your circumstances, but if you park on your drive maybe cameras?
Hi Bob,
Unfortunately I don't have a drive.
Looking for a lock-up garage locally.
Thanks.
Claire :)

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2021 5:48 pm
by Bob
If you find one, and you have an AFT, make sure Bongy isn't too tall to go inside. :wink:

Edit: Just seen your location, we're in Nailsea.

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2021 9:13 pm
by claireheal
Bob wrote: Tue Oct 19, 2021 5:48 pm If you find one, and you have an AFT, make sure Bongy isn't too tall to go inside. :wink:

Edit: Just seen your location, we're in Nailsea.
Aha, you're not far away there Bob :D
Don't suppose you know anyone with a lock-up garage they could rent to me in Bedminster/Southville area?
Very few around and pricey!
Claire :)
P.S. she's a tin-top, approx 2m high.

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2021 9:57 pm
by Bob
Strangely not. :?

As you say, very high demand for such things.

I'm guessing you use Bongy every day, but if not there are are storage places to be had, but a bit further away.

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2021 10:07 pm
by claireheal
Bob wrote: Tue Oct 19, 2021 9:57 pm Strangely not. :?

As you say, very high demand for such things.

I'm guessing you use Bongy every day, but if not there are are storage places to be had, but a bit further away.
Ah well, it was worth asking, just in case! ;)
Not every day, but often enough to need her nearby. The search continues! ;)
Getting new cat fitted tomorrow so will prob park at a friends a couple miles away until I get a garage to rent nearby.
Thanks Bob.
Claire

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2021 3:33 pm
by Winnie-bongo
Ian wrote: Tue Oct 19, 2021 9:06 am However, this i also from the MOT testers guide:

"If a cat was fitted at the time of manufacture then it must be fitted at the time of inspection."

That doesn't mean it has to be tested, just present.
I just asked DVSA this very question Ian

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 11:35 am
by Alkers
I actually saw on instagram where a garage had made a steel frame around someone's exhaust to prevent the cat from being stolen again. It was a bongo and all - looked horrific but would probably work

Re: How can I protect my new exhaust/catalytic converter from being stolen again??

Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:00 pm
by cwilliams255
My drinking water tank is pretty close to the cat under the step, it has 3mm steel frame, it would make removal slightly awkward and I would like to think if they tried they’d nick the tank with the grinder and get 30L of water all over them. How much I expect a bit of water to inconvenience or upset then I don’t know but it would make me feel slightly better :D