Fleets are an easy targets for thieves
Catalytic converter theft throughout the US has become a significant risk for vehicle owners, and especially fleets, where thieves have been known to intentionally target larger groups of vehicles. With catalytic converter theft increasing over 5000% in some areas of the US, this crime is not only costly, but it also leaves vehicles unable to be driven safely and causes additional problems for fleet owners through inconvenience, costly repairs, and unplanned vehicle downtime. Thieves know that certain fleets will have plenty of preferred targets and will find ways to steal as many converters as possible. Fleets made up of hybrid vehicles, like the Prius, and trucks, like the Tacoma, are being struck all over the country.
A single stolen catalytic converter can cost your business $2-3,000 to replace and repair. To make matters worse, you may find yourself in a long waiting period due to backorders and delays. So, the true cost of a single theft can run you nearly $10,000 when you factor in downtime and loss of business as associated costs. Even if 10 vehicles were targeted out of your fleet, you could be looking at a potential $100,000 loss due to catalytic converter theft.
Most fleets are unattended with little protection
Fleet vehicles are especially vulnerable as they are typically parked close together in a lot overnight. Most lots have little to no security aside from a camera or two and a locked fence, which thieves have proven not enough to deter catalytic converter theft attempts. The best way to protect your fleet is to install a catalytic converter anti-theft shield known as a Cat Shield. A major benefit of installing a Cat Shield is that it protects the vehicle wherever it may be parked and not just on the lot.
Miller CAT, experts in the developing and manufacturing catalytic converters, has been helping fleet managers and owners protect their vehicles with their industry leading Cat Shield™ products. Cat Shield™ is a specially designed, stainless steel or aluminium tamper proof cover that fits over the catalytic converter to prevent it from being removed by thieves. With a range of products covering most popular Toyota fleet models, including the Tacoma, Tundra and Prius, Miller CAT’s Cat Shield™ is a part of Toyota’s Associated Accessories product line and is available through any official Toyota dealer or fleet specialist.
Miller CAT is helping cities and companies protect their fleets
“We recognized an urgent need to help fleet managers protect their vehicles from catalytic converter theft, which has been on the rise year on year. Fleet managers know that it’s not a question of if their converters will be targeted, but when. We’ve seen a huge increase in our support for the largest fleet dealers in the nation as they seek to pre-empt the theft of their vehicles. We offer special pricing and support for customers with a fleet of vehicles.”
- The largest city in the United States recently outfitted their fleet of Toyota Prius's with Miller CAT's Cat Shield. Now hundreds of their vehicles are #CATSHIELDPROTECTED!
- The largest fleets of Tacomas are being installed with Cat Shields before they are shipped across the country. Hundreds of businesses will benefit from having the best protection for their vehicle's converters.
Reacting to the rise in catalytic converter theft, Miller CAT is now expanding its product line, developing anti-theft devices for a wider range of vehicles. The recent successes of the brand with large fleets and police departments have sparked new product development and encouraged the company to consolidate its position as market leaders.
See what manufacturers are doing about converter theft.
