Method and apparatus for protecting a filter trap that is utilized in a coaxial cable system against theft of service. A shield is mounted inside the filter trap which contains a pair of end connectors that are aligned along a common axis. The shield has two parallel end faces that are perpendicularly aligned with regard to the common axis. A barrier is mounted on one or both end faces for intercepting a cutting tool moving along the axis to direct the tool away from the axis causing the tool to break or to prevent a passage to be completed between the end connectors.