this has been ahppening for a long time, welding a bar on the bolts is pretty useless, it prevents us from working on our own trucks if ever we need to. you can also bet a thief can just cut them off, depending on the tool, it can be done quite easily and quiently very quickly

Not much where the cat is in the way at least not in my case.  I just welded it on, instead of using the bolts. I could never get it to seal right anyway, so I used that as an excuse.  I know a theif can cut it off still, but it makes it that much harder for the guy that isn't prepared, but has a couple of crescent wrenches in his car, or a socket set.  I just work under the theory of making it harder to steal than the next guys   I don't want his to get stolen either, but I'm taking the precautions, and he's not (specific people in my case, I've even warned them, and they dont care.)