Use Your Home Security Cameras To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
In Canada, catalytic converters are required by law on all vehicles that were produced after 1988. A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces harmful pollutants exiting the engine, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, and turns them into harmless by-products such as water vapour and carbon dioxide. The catalytic converters do this using platinum, palladium, or rhodium. Because the materials that convert the pollutants are rather expensive, they are a high-value target for thieves. If your catalytic converter is stolen, it can cost $3,000 to replace and you legally must have this piece of equipment installed to drive your vehicle. To prevent this expensive loss, here are some ways to stop theft before it happens.
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
1. Park In A Secure Area
Leaving the car out in the driveway makes it an easy target. Make sure to park your car in the garage when it’s not in use. If a garage isn’t available, park in a well-lit area with lots of pedestrian traffic or near a building entrance. Areas of high visibility are safer than secluded areas.
2. Secure The Catalytic Converter
Make it physically more difficult to remove this device to deter thieves. If a potential thief perceives that it will take too long to remove your catalytic converter, they are more likely to think it is not worth their efforts. To secure the converter, weld it to your car or add a steel shield over the converter.
3. Spray Paint
For thieves to recycle catalytic converters for materials they need to remove all of the paint, so covering your converter with spray paint may make it seem like too much work to bother with.
4. Go Electric
The next time you’re looking at upgrading vehicles, you could opt for an electric one. Since electric vehicles don’t use gasoline or diesel, they don’t produce harmful emissions and therefore have no need for a catalytic converter.
5. Light Up Your Driveway
Install security features such as motion-activated lights to increase visibility for you, your neighbours, and any installed security cameras. The sudden light will also scare away potential thieves who think the owners are awake.
6. Add A Security Camera
The majority of catalytic converter theft happens at night while the vehicle is parked at home. To avoid this, install a residential video surveillance system. This will offer protection in two different ways: first, the sight of a security camera deters criminal activity before it happens. Second, if the thieves don’t happen to see the camera, you will have video footage of the criminal and the crime. At the very least this can help with insurance claims, but at best it can lead to the arrest of the thieves and the return of your converter.
Home Security Systems With Frontline Security In Calgary
Residential video surveillance is the best way to keep your home and family safe from theft and trespassing. A security camera can deter burglars and catch any lawbreakers in the act, and full residential security systems can be equipped with other features such as motion sensors and alerts, real-time surveillance, and even two-way audio. A security system can keep more than just your home and possessions safe, it can also keep your family safe and give you greater peace of mind. To have a top-rated Calgary security company set your home up with residential video surveillance, call the security experts at Frontline Security at 1-403-291-9311 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQs
Frontline Security is here to help you decide! We can come to your house to offer a FREE ESTIMATE that involves determining which security camera will work best for you and your home.
Our Calgary home alarm systems can come equipped with the following security measures:
- Door and window sensors
- Glass break sensors
- Motion detectors
- Video surveillance/live video monitoring
- Smart home functionality
We provide a four-year warranty on the parts associated with your residential video surveillance system and a one-year warranty on our labour.
Your First Line of Defence
In a world of ever-increasing threats, you need a security company you can count on. We’re that company. Our Calgary-based full-service security company specializes in commercial security solutions, providing large-scale properties and facilities with the protection they need to guard their valuable assets. We also provide residential alarm and video surveillance systems, giving homeowners the peace of mind they need to sleep soundly at night.
If it’s important to you, it’s important to us. Put us on the frontline and rest easy knowing you’re properly defended.
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You’ve worked hard to build your business or buy your home. Now it’s time to protect them properly and give yourself the peace of mind you deserve. Our full-service security solutions can give whatever matters most to you the 360° protection it needs. Contact us today by calling (403) 291-9311 or by filling out the form below and put us on your frontline.
