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

[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

[Bob]

Hello Claire, warm welcome.

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

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

[Harv]

Do a search for catalyst protectors, there are a few products.. A well known one is catloc.co.uk,

[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

[Bob]

That's good info.

[claireheal]

Thanks chaps, appreciate your helpful suggestions.
Claire

[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.

[claireheal]

Hello Claire, warm welcome.

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

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

[Bob]

If you find one, and you have an AFT, make sure Bongy isn't too tall to go inside.

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

[claireheal]

If you find one, and you have an AFT, make sure Bongy isn't too tall to go inside.

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

Aha, you're not far away there Bob
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.

[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.

[claireheal]

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

[Winnie-bongo]

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

[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

[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