Cat Theft Deterrent Option/Solution

Since I travel a lot, I have been really thinking how to deter thieves from stealing my cats. I am going to do everything I've read about on this forum and online, even from those in Law Enforcement(paint, etch and shield). The best we can do as Tundra owner is deter with everything at our disposal. You may have already heard of this company and I thought I would share anyway.

The company is called www.mastergard.com and they sell bulk and individual etching kits which seem like a logical solution. As Tundras have 4 cats, we would order the quad pack which is $38.49 plus shipping. I emailed the company and they sent me this flyer and below is what they said about their product.

I thought this may interest some of you.

MasterGard Rep:
"Thank you for your inquiry and interest in our CATETCH/CATGUARD labels.


I can process an order here for you. Please find attached our USD retail price list for our individual vehicle retail kits. Our quad label kit would work for your truck with 4 catalytic converters.


Our kits include everything you need, CATETCH/CATGUARD label(s), etching fluid and brush, window warning decals, instructions, and registration to the database searchable by law enforcement. There are no additional fees for registration. Our CATETCH/CATGUARD labels have unique PIN codes on each label (not your specific VIN# or license plate) that are partnered with a vehicle during our registration process using VIN #, license plate #, make, model, color and owner information. Once arrived to you they can be easily affixed to a clean, dry and cool catalytic converter. We can complete the registration for you with provided vehicle details or you can easily scan the QR code on your pack to complete the registration on your own.


If you would like to move forward with an order, I would just need to know your shipping address along with phone #. We would email you a link for secure credit card payment. Shipping/Handling charges apply to all orders, please review shipping options in the attached price list and confirm your option.


Let me know if you have any questions."

 

I don't think that will deter thieves from stealing your cats, I doubt they will even notice it's there. All it'll probably help with is if the thieves are caught with your cats the police can track where they came from.

 

This along with painting the cats plus a theft shield is about all I can do to help deter.

Just sharing what I thought others would be interested in pursuing.

 

For sure, I get that. If it helps ease your mind then I say go ahead, I know others have marked their cats, it's just my option that I don't think thieves will care.

Now a shield is where I'd put my money, I have both shields from @Classy63 https://valhallasshields.com/ and really like them

 

Being that the cats are being shipped out of the country now, this would pretty much be a waste of money.

 

I haven't read that, thanks for sharing. I will say the cats have to be transported from thief to buyer and then shipped. The ones cutting the cats aren't the ones sending overseas. I think etching is just a way to deter for them to move to next vehicle like painting the cats. I also believe the best D is a shield which I will purchase as well.

So personally I do think it's a waste of time or money to etch VINs or PINs. Is it the one thing the POS is going to see to move on? No. Do I think its coupled with other steps is, yes. Like I said, I am going to do everything to deter since I stay at hotels a good bit.

 

The only issue I have with Valhalla is the lead time. I am looking at MillerCat with ships in one day. The only issue with MillerCat is they don't have rear Cat shield.

 

Yeah, that part does suck. Hopefully he will be able to get that worked out at some point. There are other companies that sell front and rear shields with faster lead times. Valhalla was the first I saw when I started researching after buying my Tundra, I liked how they looked and they had good reviews so I purchased those. There are others though, and I get not wanting to wait, but I would definitely purchase a shield as my main deterrent.

 

I don't disagree with the shield be the best way to deter. Easy to see and too long/noisy to mess with to take off. But I think doing more than one D is best.

I was hoping Valhalla was shipping faster now. Looking to purchase MillerCat and etch and paint all four. Then look to purchase rear cat shields in future. Problem is that isn't really cost effective as buying front and rear together from V is less expensive. Again, I am only in a bit of a hurry due to my work travel.

 

Nothing wrong with layers of protection. Hopefully you come up with a solution you are happy with and keeps you protected during your travels

 

does anyone here have experience with this shield?

TPFI Catalytic Converter Shield Guard FULL_SIZE, Fits Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter Shield 2007-2021, Covers all four cats

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WC7Z4H2?smid=A1TO7H4IGAR1WC#customerReviews

 

The Miller or Valhalla?

 

Guess the link would have answered that....Thanks

 

I think i've made my truck paranoid by talking about this subject. Or maybe its me. hahaha