Catalytic Converter BULLS&%T

It's a great idea, but it falls short on being an effective deterrent. Vehicle theft is not hindered in any way by the fact your car has several VINs attached to it. The bottom line is that it falls under the realm of a property crime and therefore takes a back seat to anything "significant". The only thing that will re-direct a thief to either another tradecraft or someone else's property is when the risk (to their personal well-being) outweighs the reward... So, if you really want to stop a thief, figure out a way to leverage that equation in your favor.

But, it is absolutely imperative to understand that just because someone is committing a "property" crime, that doesn't mean they are low-level or a non-risk to you, me, law enforcement or anyone else who encounters them in the act. A lot of serious dudes dabble in what seems like petty theft, because it's a good bang for the buck (IE>>> tailgate theft, cat theft, etc. brings a bigger $$ reward generally than armed robbery w/o the risk of a high level felony)... But, just because the crime is considered a "non-violent" offense, don't be lulled into thinking that the person(s) aren't dangerous. Most of these guys are always armed; most have extensive past criminal history; and most wouldn't hesitate to engage you with violent/lethal force if confronted. This is obvious from the incidents being reported over the last few days in Texas.

One of the best ways you can mitigate your own exposure to loss is through common sense and situational awareness. Sometimes being a victim of this type of crime is unavoidable. These types of criminals will spend time casing neighborhoods, parking lots (malls, gyms and movie theaters are good examples of places they target due to the predictability of your absence from your vehicle) and parking garages. They will usually be working in teams of at least 3 or 4 (2 to do the work, 1 as lookout, and 1 driver); they will usually have a truck/van (rentals are highly common) of their own to load into/transport the stolen cats; the guys doing the "work" will usually approach the victim vehicle on foot, notify their driver via 2-way radio they are starting a job, then the driver pulls up as they finish the theft, and they load and go; they will usually spend a week or two getting familiar w/their targets in a particular area, order, or pattern (so you may see suspicious vehicle activity for a few days or a couple of weeks before the incident); they will generally spend several hours in a single day or night hitting multiple targets which they have previously surveilled; they WILL have a plan on what to do if caught or interrupted (that plan may involve distractions, re-directions or outright violence to avoid capture after detection).... What does all this mean???

Well, be aware of your surroundings and the situations that are evolving around you. If something doesn't seem right, do something different or call it in to the police. Meaning, if you pull into a parking lot and you notice a vehicle following you around or park close to you but the 3 dudes inside don't get out w/any purpose, maybe it wouldn't hurt to just leave. Meaning, if you notice an unfamiliar vehicle make 2 or 3 passes through your neighborhood with no apparent reason for being there, call it in... Etc...

We as productive members of society tend to believe in the "inherent good nature of people". So, when we see something suspicious, we find ways to justify why it's "probably okay" or think that "it's just me being paranoid". However, it's important to learn to trust and even develop a greater level of awareness of your own instincts and to not be afraid to react to them.

Sorry for the rant! My heart and respect go out to the family of the officer that was killed this week in TX over this shit. I am truly sorry for your loss...

 

^^^^^^^
Damn good advice.

 

Should be allowed to discuss this in depth even if politics come into it. Facts are facts and those who have skin in the public service or health care game see it first hand. Just wish that the politicians who cater to non contributors would have to work a 12 hr shift in an ER or in any FD, EMS, or PD to see the crap that is out there taking advantage of programs that were started with the best of intentions.

Just a shame that the judges and DAs etc......are not more harsh on crime!

 

Toyotas and Sequoias seem to be hot targets with 4 cats per.....is it unusual to have 4 on a vehicle?

 

Excellent post! A good book to read on this subject is called "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin Debecker I think.

Describes how one should trust the hairs on the back of your neck when they stand up. At the end if the day it is an animalistic survival tactic that we all have because we too are animals.

Good read.