Looks like I’ve joined the stolen cat club

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You are the lucky member today and received my daily get out of jail free card.

Political discussions or memes will in fact get most a 30 day vacation.

 

Saw this article few minutes ago.
HOUSTON – Several arrests have been made in connection with a large-scale catalytic converter theft ring which has possible ties to the fatal shooting of a Harris County sheriff’s deputy.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety were involved in arresting six people Thursday for their alleged roles in the ring theft.
According to a news release from Texas DPS, the six men arrested are suspected of fencing stolen catalytic converters for the three suspects previously charged in connection with the death of HCSO Sheriff’s Office Deputy Darren Almendarez. The deputy was killed while off-duty in a shootout with three alleged catalytic converter thieves, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
On March 31, Almendarez and his wife were out grocery shopping in the 2900 block of FM 1960 near Aldine Westfield when he encountered three men allegedly stealing a catalytic converter from his truck, according to authorities. Gunfire erupted, and Almendarez was struck. He was rushed to an area hospital where he later died.6 suspects arrested in catalytic converter thefts; Crime ring possibly linked to fatal shooting of HCSO deputy Darren Almendarez
The suspects in the shooting who are each charged with capital murder are Joshua Stewart, 23; Fredarius Clark, 19; and Fredrick James Tardy, 17.
The six suspects arrested for fencing stolen catalytic converters are Jose Martinez, 19; Armando Martinez, 18; Isaac Castillo, 21; Terance Elder, 20; and Armando Martinez Sr., 39; all residents of Houston, and Jose Sanchez, a 21-year-old resident of Dayton, Texas.
Six federal search warrants were also executed at five Houston-area residences and one storage facility as part of the multi-agency criminal investigation into the organized theft group, according to authorities.
“Our community has been increasingly plagued by these types of crimes,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “I am thankful for all efforts made to arrest these dangerous individuals. This operation would not have been a success without the strong collaboration of several agencies within our region.”
The investigation into the organized theft group has previously resulted in the arrest of one other individual and the seizure of more than $484,000 in bulk currency, one firearm, and narcotics, according to DPS.
DPS reports organized theft groups frequently target catalytic converters for the precious metals that they contain such as palladium, platinum and rhodium. The precious metals are extremely valuable, and a worldwide supply shortage has created an increased demand for them further driving up the value.

 

That's a lot of Tundra cats lol.

 

I'm glad they made arrests, but I'm saddened that it took the death of an officer to spur the investigation.

 

New member of the club! Two young punks (17 & 18) cut off the driver side cats of my 21 tundra. Fortunately, a neighboring business manager heard the racket and went to investigate and scared them off before they could complete their heist. The Po Po were called and the perpetrators were chased, caught and subsequently arrested. I got my cats back, but am told they cannot be reinstalled. I am getting a pre-collision system malfunction, trailer brake error and the dashboard is lit up like a Christmas tree. Does this cause an issue with the ECM? Is this easily remedied?

 

Where do we get one of these cards?

 

Sorry to hear that you were hit, too. Hopefully a new cat will clear things up. I'd have it towed to a shop and checked. They could have cut other wires in their hurry to get the cats.

 

I've recently joined the club of having cat sawed off. Is it normal to have 4LO flashing and ACS on? Is it related to 2nd O2 sensor no longer there? From what I reading, I should go with OEM replacement instead of aftermarket, correct?

 

Unfortunately, I joined the stolen cat club in July. Went in the mall for about 45 minutes, started the truck, and it sounded like a shot gun went off. Had to have it towed to my local Toyota shop, and my service guy said we have like 10 in the back waiting on cats. He told me do not go with a non OEM replacement they will have problems, and the check engine light will stay on continuously. After some going back and fourth with the insurance company, they are replacing with OEM. This was the first week of July! We are in October now, and it looks like still months away. Service Manager told me we have a few Tundras that have been here since March waiting on OEM's. I had a rental for about 40 days before I had to turn it in. I am relying on my wife's car, and an old bucket my Mom had parked for years. My truck is sitting at Toyota, with a dead battery and covered in dust, waiting on an OEM. I drive over every couple of weeks to check on her. Key, you have to be patient. It is going to take a long time! Long time. Start looking for a Cat Shield. With the lift on my truck it was way to easy for them to slide under. Patience, are you will be yelling at everyone!

 

Sorry to hear that. All the indications are that OEM is the way to go to avoid check engine lights later on. I've heard of some strange issues with codes after the cats have been stolen. Be sure to have the shop check for other damage when they assess the repairs. If you have comprehensive coverage, be prepared to do battle with the insurance company over the replacement cost. My policy says they can specify lowest bidder parts and pay accordingly.

 

Mine were taken in June. If anyone on here gets an OEM cat, please post here. I'd fly down to pick one up. Hunting season and I need my truck! That said, I'm resigned to probably not getting one until next year...

 

aim is getting pretty good with a splitting maul.

 

Eye for an eye, they use a Sawzall to take your cats, you use a Sawzall to take their hand.

 

The shop just contacted me about my replacement cats. One of the parts needed is en route to the US. Just one, singular, total, and I'm low on the list to get it. Maybe I'll get it back next year.

 

I'm beginning to think that Magnaflow cats may be the way to go. I'm worried that if it sits for an extended time, there may be other issues. Far too many parts don't like sitting for an extended period of time. It might be worth the extra expense even if I just have them installed until OEM cats arrive.

 

These trucks don't like aftermarket cats.

 

I know, but I afraid that they don't like sitting idle for a year even more. With no hint of an idea of when OEM cats will arrive, it seems like the wiser choice to get it on the road again even if it means the occasional check engine light problem. I contacted Magnaflow and they recommended the OEM grade and gave me part numbers based on the truck's VIN.

These threads give me hope.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/magnaflow-vs-oem-catalytic-converters.91543/
and
https://www.tundras.com/threads/magnaflow-cats.106753/

 

Anyone know whats going on with Vallhalla. Ordered back in September. No phone # on the website and no response to E-mail. Starting to get worried.

 

I was wondering the same.I emailed him last week and he did respond though

 

My Gen1 got hit over a year ago. I put a cat plate on my 23 as soon as I picked it up. Good guy near Dallas who sales and manufactures them ($355). He told me the tailgates are also being stolen and to order a McGard tailgate lock (done and installed) and lastly he said do a security bolt exchange in your door.

 

security bolt exchange in your door?

 

The Magnaflow cats arrived today and the truck's in the air at the shop. Delivery was pretty quick, I ordered them on the 8th. I took the shields over for installation during the cat installation. I'll post pictures of the shields in place and report on any problems as soon as I have the truck back.

 

My cat was stolen around February of this year! Took my truck to the dealership in Benton Harbor, MI to have them replace my starter and received a call the next day telling me that while my truck was on their lot someone snuck onto the property and stole my cat. They ultimately ended up replacing the cat at no charge to me, so thanks for that, but I was still in a loaner vehicle for quite a long time.

 

My tacoma cats got taken last year in downtown Dallas. I replaced them and order cat shields right after.

Just ordered some for my in laws tundra for christmas.

 

No Sir, it's not just you.

 

I picked up my truck from the shop today. The Magnaflow cats are installed, and the Cat Security shields are in place. Here are pictures of the installed shields courtesy if Tomoshi Miyamoto (The tech that did the work) at Davenport Motors in Plano Texas.

 

Nothing yet, but I've only driven it about 20 miles.

 

He's a one man show. I waited about 3 months for my plates.

 

Once again....Facebook messenger