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Catalytic converter theft: how to protect your car

By LEXUS UK

Catalytic converter theft from cars isn’t a new crime, but it has increased significantly in recent times.

Police forces around the UK are advising owners of any car fitted with a catalytic converter to take precautions. In Toyota’s case it is second and third-generation Prius models (2004-2009 and 2009-2016 respectively) and second-generation Auris Hybrids (2012-2018) which have been particular targets for thieves.

Below we’ve gathered the best advice for Toyota owners who may be concerned.

What is a catalytic converter? 

The catalytic converter is part of the car’s emissions control system. It cleans up the exhaust gases before they are expelled from the car through the exhaust pipe. Its internal elements react with the gases, breaking them down into less harmful substances and water vapour. All new cars sold in Europe since 1993 have had to be fitted with a catalytic converter by law.

Why are they a target for thieves?

Clearly the police are best placed to offer advice on the motives behind this crime. But we understand that the value of the catalytic converter for recycling is the main attraction to thieves, because it contains precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium.

What can owners do to stop their cars being targeted?

Some owners have chosen to tag their catalytic converters with an invisible yet traceable forensic marking solution, such as that provided by SmartWater. This means that a stolen catalytic converter can be traced to a specific crime, helping police in their attempts to fight the organised gangs responsible. It also raises the risk to all those handling the devices along the criminal chain, from theft to eventual disposal and recycling. Mechanical theft prevention products such as Catloc devices can also deter thieves.

However, it must be noted that catalytic converter theft is a criminal operation and the scope of owners is therefore limited. Police forces are taking action, so it is important for anyone who is a victim of this crime to report it as quickly as possible.

In the main, older cars are more likely to be targeted. This is because advances in efficiency and technology mean the latest generations of catalytic converters contain vastly lower amounts of precious metals, while still doing their job just as well or even better. This means their value for recycling is very low and they are not attractive to thieves.

Does a mechanical lock give my car 100% protection from thieves?

Sadly not. It can make theft more difficult but thieves are using high-powered cutting tools to remove catalytic converters and because of this it is not possible to make them ‘unstealable’. A mechanical locking device makes it harder to steal a catalytic converter because it slows down thieves and therefore acts as a deterrent.

If I’m worried about my Toyota model, what should I do?

If you are worried about potential catalytic converter theft from your Toyota, we recommend you use our locator tool to find your nearest Toyota centre and contact them to discuss the best way to protect your car.

This article was last updated on 2 November 2024, so some of the responses to reader comments below have been superseded by more recent information.

2,460 comments

  1. Please tell me, Toyota, after all these thefts that you are doing more than opening a ‘customer relations claim’ where you recommend spending £250 for a Catloc that may cause in creased damage as thieves just cut through it….Please don’t say this is a tiny fraction of Toyota users as that is simply no longer true– and please don’t repeat the same claim that this is not Toyota’s responsibility as the high majority of cars that are targeted are Toyotas. The customer suffers: the headache, the loss of a usable vehicle, the increased insurance premiums, the cost of the repair…this is your responsibility. Not only should you be actively warning Toyota customers, you should be replacing catalytic converters at no cost. I have completely lost faith in your company. And no, don’t re-open my customer relations claim– this is a waste of time or a means to pretend you are taking action without actually doing so.

    Reply

    1. Hi,

      The automotive industry is very concerned with the recent sharp rise in the organised theft of catalytic converters from vehicles in the UK by criminal gangs.

      Toyota’s first priority is to do all we can to support our customers who have been victims of crime.

      Vehicle crime changes – over the decades car audio has been targeted, then alloy wheels and so on. Although “cat theft” is not new, or limited to Toyota products, it has always been comparatively rare; however, the recent rise in the value of such parts for recycling has meant that police forces have seen a very significant rise in these offences in the last few months.

      This sudden rise is one we could not have envisaged set against many years of low incidents of theft. This has impacted our ability to source enough of the parts we need in some cases, for which we sincerely apologise; but we are taking urgent action to address this with our suppliers.

      In some cases these thefts have been brazen, in daylight, and we understand completely how traumatic and upsetting this must be for customers, quite aside from their cars then being off the road.

      Earlier this year we posted guidance online for customers, wrote to all our dealers asking them to direct customers to this information and wrote direct to Prius customers, where we had contact details. In all these cases we reiterated police advice.

      We have also introduced, at a reduced price, a “Catloc” device, which can help to deter theft and we are taking further action to ensure the price of fitting a replacement catalytic converter at a Toyota approved service centre is minimised, as well as exploring other technical possibilities which may help.

      Finally, we have been working with our catalyst suppliers and they have now increased their daily production shifts from one to three, which we hope will allow us to tackle this issue and get customers back on the road more quickly. Our priority is our customers and we are working hard to try to support them against the background of these distressing crimes.

      Thanks

      Reply

      1. You say that Toyota are doing these catloc at reduce price which is not true. Why is it I am unable to buy these from catloc directly at a cost of between £100 and £130 and fit it myself whereas you are charging between £200 and £250 it is clear you are profiteering from the loss of customers. Furthermore it is a bit of a useless device but at least you should make it available to buy. I wanted to fit a Catclamp which look much more secure than what you are offering but these are not available in the UK.

      2. Hi there,

        Thanks for your comment. We have moved to ensure that the cost to customers of replacement catalytic converters, supplied and fitted through our approved service centres is as low as possible, and that TGB doesn’t profit from this. In addition to this we are urgently exploring other technical possibilities to deter criminals but we would like to refrain from going in to specifics at this time.

        Thanks.

      3. Out of curiosity, when you say urgently looking into this…. How long does the urgent solution take? 4 to 6 months I suppose, I have been waiting on urgent solution since July this year.

      4. Hi Francis,

        Thanks for getting back in touch. We have now escalated your open customer relations case and someone should be in touch with you soon.

        Thanks.

      5. You haven’t answered the question why can’t I get a catloc from the supplier like other cat owners can and fit it myself.

        1) why can’t I get a Catloc from the supplier

        2) Catloc won’t advise if their universal ones will fit as they have exclusivity to Toyota

        3) why am I being forced to come to the dealership to have these fitted

        Surely it should be my choice to fit it where I please.

        I’m simple you are making money from this maybe not from the Catloc itself but from the labour you are charging just a reminder these Catloc cost range from £100 to £130 on their website

      6. Hi there,

        Thanks for getting back in touch. We can only recommend our official Catloc devices as they have been developed and tested to exacting technical standards and are exclusive to Toyota GB.

        To discuss your queries in more detail, we will get in touch with you directly to gain additional details in order to open a customer relations case on your behalf.

        Thanks.

      7. The catalytic converter in my Auris was stolen in mid-August – two weeks before my car would have had its first service. I had asked my Toyota Dealer (Hills of Woodford) if the car could be towed to them for repair. After being passed to sales, services and bodyshop, I was told that the car could not be brought over so I had no choice but to go through my insurer’s approved repairer. Six weeks on and I still have no car. I have been told that the converters are being stolen faster than they are being manufactured and with any luck I will have my car back by Christmas!!! That’s at least four months of making payments on a car I cannot drive! What am I supposed to do here? Wait patiently and hope that my car isn’t targeted again as soon as it is fixed? Cut my losses and sell the car once it is finally fixed?

        When I had purchased the car, I had specifically asked if the theft of catalytic converters in hybrids was an issue, because I had read some articles about the potential risk. I was ‘reassured’ that hybrids were not being targeted and I should not face any issues. I was also not offered the catloc even as a peace of mind. Had I been told the truth when I specifically asked for advice, I would have considered my options. Instead, I am now left waiting a potential three further months to get my car back and have been told that I can fix a catloc for ‘only £250’ which does nothing more than take thieves two or three more minutes to cut through.

        I purchased a Toyota because of the reliability and customer service that so many drivers have experienced. Unfortunately, I have experienced neither. It is frankly disturbing that my concerns were brushed aside so that a quick sale could be made, and it seems that not enough is being done to help the customers who have been victims of these crimes. Toyota need to do better.

        Raam

      8. Hi Raam,

        Thanks for getting back in touch. We have responded to your original comment and emailed you directly requesting additional details.

        Thanks.

  2. The problem is even after fitting one, it can be stolen again. That’s my worry. How can we make sure to keep the car roadworthy. Toyota definitely needs to provide a solution. I’m very worried now.. I’ve already paid £400 for the excess

    Reply

    1. Hi,

      We are urgently exploring new technical possibilities to deter criminals, but we would like to refrain from going in to specifics at this time for obvious reasons. We will hopefully have more news soon.

      Thanks

      Reply

      1. Looks like we have to keep the cars unattended until you come up with a solution..feeling so helpless. I’m going to wait until a solution is found and that should be a consolation to Toyota!!!

    2. My Auris hybrid has been in your yard sine early August awaiting cat replacement. My concern is whether the batteries will be damaged by not using the car for such a long time. Any thoughts?

      Reply

  3. Thanks Pete,

    I’ve just taken a look on eBay too and have spotted a few companies supplying and fitting for prices ranging £300-£600 aftermarket ones. I’ve no idea what affects this will have on the resell value though. I’ve also seen a tyre shop in Rainham who can install metal plate protection to prevent easy access to the CAT….although, I don’t believe any amount of protection will stop would be thieves with power saws and grinders.

    Reply

  4. Hi Toyota
    I would be good to speak to someone who can give more information on stock. This will enable me to understand the expected delivery times.
    Many Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi James,

      Thanks for getting back in touch. Our main supplier has now increased its daily production shifts from one to three, and we hope this will allow us to get customers back on the road more quickly. We will also update your open customer relations case regarding your query.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  5. Hi, My catalyst converter is stolen from Toyota Auris Hybrid in broad day-light. And after that I receive a letter from Toyota to fit a catloc. What should I do?

    Reply

    1. Hi there,

      Thanks for your message. We are incredibly sorry you have been targeted by criminals. We will email you directly in order to open a customer relations case on your behalf.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. Hi Toyota, I only got a Robotic email from your company, after that nothing happened. As a customer we all feel cheated by Toyota as a company you are responding or communicating well to its customers. I am sure all the victims including me, are ready to sell off their car once it get fixed as the Insurance company will start charging more for the insurance as its a Toyota car and its hybrid. It’s a shame that all of us believe in the brand Toyota and it has failed this time.

      2. Hi Vikas,

        Thanks for getting back in touch. We are sorry to hear you are unhappy with our response and have escalated your case within our customer relations team. Someone will be in touch with you soon.

        Thanks.

  6. I had my catalytic converter from my Toyota Auris stolen MID AUGUST of this year and I am still waiting for parts for my vehicle… 6 weeks on. It was stolen from an NHS staff car park and I am sad to see from these comments that there are so many people that this has happened to. I just bought my car last september and it’s disappointing that I was never informed about this issue in the first place as I could have prevented the theft in the first instance!

    Toyota have quoted £1600 for repair and replacement, and frankly the fact that I have had to call them every week to find out how things are progressing has been incredibly frustrating. I am currently carless and paying for insurance/parking on a car that I may never see again at the rate things are going. This is unacceptable, and I am truly disappointed with how poor communication with Toyota has been. It’s almost as if they do not want to accept that they made an error with where they chose to place the catalytic converter… and making us pay for their mistake. The figures have been rising for a while and so this is not a “new phenomenon”.

    Reply

    1. Hi Aleesha,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been a victim of this crime. We are doing all we can to support our customers, and with that in mind we will email you directly to gain further details in order to open a customer relations case on your behalf.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. Will you be supplying Aleesha with a replacement hire car? I am alarmed by all the reports here (and the formulaic responses). Is it only a question of when rather than if my Auris hybrid 61 (2011) is attacked?

        I see that the Guardian has picked up on the mass of comments to this site and provides some further detail (but otherwise confirm that Toyota/Lexus hybrids are particularly targetted over other makes)

        https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/sep/20/theft-of-catalytic-converters-from-hybrid-cars-surges

      2. Hi John,

        Thanks for getting in touch. We can’t comment on customer cases, however please be aware our customer relations team assess all cases on an individual basis.

        We are doing all we can to combat this situation, but as these are criminal operations our scope is therefore limited. We have issued police guidance to our customers, and are urgently exploring new technical possibilities to deter criminals but we would like to refrain from going in to specifics at this time.

        Thanks.

  7. I also had my catalytic converter stolen on my 2007 Prius,about 8 weeks ago in Sainsbury’s in Eltham @ 2:00 in the afternoon in good daylight with lots of shoppers around.
    We need a tilt alarm to properly protect our cars, is it a Toyota problem? Or lack of police?
    Until I get a tilt alarm fitted, I’m very selective where to park.

    Reply

    1. Hi Peter,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are incredibly sorry to hear you have been a victim of this crime. We can confirm we are urgently exploring new technical possibilities to deter criminals but we would like to refrain from going in to specifics at this time.

      Regarding your questions, although we are aware that it is not only our vehicles being targeted, we cannot speak for other manufacturers. In addition, questions about the motivations and tactics of criminals should be addressed to the police as they are best placed to answer this.

      We will email you regarding gaining additional information to see if we can help you further.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  8. I had the converter from my Auris stolen in mid-August – two weeks before my car would have had its first service. I called my Toyota dealer to ask if the car could be towed to their dealership but was told this could not be done so I was left with no choice but to go through the insurer’s approved repairer. Six weeks and I still have no car! I’m being told at this rate I might have my car back by Christmas!!! Four months of making payments for a car that I cannot drive.

    When I purchased the car last year I specifically asked if the theft of catalytic converters in hybrids was an issue, as I had read some articles about it. I was ‘reassured’ that hybrids were not being targeted. I was not offered a catloc at that time either. Had I been told the truth when I specifically asked for advice, I would have considered my options. Now I’m being told I probably won’t have my car for another three months and I can fork out £250 for a catloc which might take thieves an extra couple of minutes to cut through.

    I bought a Toyota because of their reliability and customer service, but have experienced none of this. Toyota, you need to do better. The fact that I had asked for advice and had been brushed aside just so you could make a quick sale is disturbing to say the least.

    Raam

    Reply

    1. Hi Raam,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been targeted by criminals and for the distress this may have caused. We can also only apologise for how you feel about your experience with us.

      While theft of catalytic converters is not a new offence, it has always been relatively rare. Since-mid 2019 however, this crime has risen sharply, especially since summer. This may be why you weren’t offered one initially last year.

      In order to discuss your situation further, we will email you directly in order to gain additional details to open a customer relations case on your behalf.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  9. The catalytic converter in my Auris was stolen in mid-August – two weeks before my car would have had its first service. I had asked my Toyota Dealer (Hills of Woodford) if the car could be towed to them for repair. After being passed to sales, services and bodyshop, I was told that the car could not be brought over so I had no choice but to go through my insurer’s approved repairer. Six weeks on and I still have no car. I have been told that the converters are being stolen faster than they are being manufactured and with any luck I will have my car back by Christmas!!! That’s at least four months of making payments on a car I cannot drive! What am I supposed to do here? Wait patiently and hope that my car isn’t targeted again as soon as it is fixed? Cut my losses and sell the car once it is finally fixed?

    When I had purchased the car, I had specifically asked if the theft of catalytic converters in hybrids was an issue, because I had read some articles about the potential risk. I was ‘reassured’ that hybrids were not being targeted and I should not face any issues. I was also not offered the catloc even as a peace of mind. Had I been told the truth when I specifically asked for advice, I would have considered my options. Instead, I am now left waiting a potential three further months to get my car back and have been told that I can fix a catloc for ‘only £250’ which does nothing more than take thieves two or three more minutes to cut through.

    I purchased a Toyota because of the reliability and customer service that so many drivers have experienced. Unfortunately, I have experienced neither. It is frankly disturbing that my concerns were brushed aside so that a quick sale could be made, and it seems that not enough is being done to help the customers who have been victims of these crimes. Toyota need to do better.

    Raam

    Reply

  10. The catalytic converter of my Lexus Rx450h was stolen two days ago. It was a shock to me. Its only when I googled that I was made aware that this crime is becoming common in the UK. What is the police doing? Why does not Toyota come up with a solution of cheap converters asap to assist its customers? It is very frustrating. These criminals should be taught a lesson. It seems like, in the US owning a ammunition at home would deter such bloody criminals, I live in Hounslow, however this organized crimes seems to be happening all over the UK. What is the solution?

    Reply

    1. Hi John,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are deeply sorry to hear you have been targeted by criminals. Our main supplier has now increased its daily production shifts from one to three, and we hope this will allow us to get customers back on the road more quickly and reduce current backlog as fast as possible.

      We are also urgently exploring new technical possibilities to deter criminals but we would like to refrain from going in to specifics at this time.

      We appreciate the distress this may have caused and will email you directly to gain additional details in order to open a customer relations case on your behalf.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. Hi John i had also impacted with the same crime with the catalytic converter of my lexus Rx400h has been stolen on 22 Sept in a broad daylight just few yards away where i live.I had to inform my insurance and they’ve took it away to the garage and had a call from them unfortunately no sign of getting a replacement as its out of stock. May wait for weeks months until they get one and its quite worrying my premium will go sky up as they provided me a courtesy car to use…

      2. Hi Edwin,

        Thanks for getting in touch. We are extremely sorry to hear you have been a victim of this crime and for the distress this may have caused. We will email you directly to find out additional details in order to open a customer relations case on your behalf.

        Thanks.

    2. Hi John, sorry to hear you too have fallen victim to these criminals.

      Yes, there are certain parts of America where this sort of thing would never happen because law abiding citizens are armed and criminals know that and would not take the risk.

      We don’t have a constitution in the UK and in turn no 2nd amendment right allowing you to protect yourself, your family or your property. If you were lucky enough to catch these catalytic converter thieves in the act (by the way, they’re all armed with trolley jack handles and more) and you challenged them, arming yourself with the same weapons they have, chances are you’ll be facing charges yourself.

      So from my experience and the stories I’m hearing on a daily basis, for these criminals, it’s a free for all, it’s free money!
      Who’s going to challenge them or bring them to book?

      Toyota refer to their Catlock! If they offered it for free, I’d weigh up the inconvenience to me for arranging to have it fitted, cos it’s not going to do a thing other than delay the thieves by perhaps another minute tops.

      Toyota refer vehicle owners to the Police’s advice, which is: “Try to park in well-lit areas!”

      How about broad daylight and under a CCTV camera? Is that well-lit enough? That’s where my car was parked. Incidentally, the Police have said it may take up to 28 days to retrieve CCTV footage of the theft! When the authorities want to issue a penalty charge notice, the CCTV footage can work its wonders in 28 seconds!

      And even if there is footage of the thieves, no one cares, including the thieves, some of whom look straight into the camera. And why should they care? Our current system has a shortage of Police who are busy trying to stop kids killing eachother on a daily basis, lenient judges and politicians too preoccupied with trying to outdo eachother over Brexit!

      My insurer’s repairer updated me today and I’m unlikely to get my car back before the end of November, which will be eight weeks or more since it happened. They also told me that cars minus their catalytic converters are still coming in thick and fast!

      Yes, I have a case open with Toyota Customer Relations but that doesn’t mean anything. In fact Toyota, right now, the only thing you can do to make things right, is to buy the vehicle back off me at a reasonable price. I can then buy a car that I can park in a paid for public car park and still be able to drive it home on my return and not have to wait 8 weeks or more for it to be repaired, and pay out insurance excess, while my premiums skyrocket and my no claims plummets.

      About 30 minutes ago, my brother messaged me to ask what I thought of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid as apparently, he’d found a great deal on a new one. I said: “Nice cars, reliable, economical, and eco-friendly but don’t get one because they’re a bloody liability! Can’t park it anywhere without risking the catalytic converter being stolen and you not being able to drive it again for 2-3 months before it’s repaired, then the catalytic converter stolen again.

      Can you imagine a car giant and household name like Toyota being brought down in the UK by a mob of scumbag petty thieves, because we don’t have enough Police, our judges are from another world and our politicians couldn’t give a damn?

      Reply

      1. Hi Mike,

        Thanks for getting back in touch. We are sorry to hear of the ongoing impact this crime is having on you. We can confirm our team are currently working on your open case and someone will be in touch with you soon. Please note we have also added this comment to the case.

        Thanks.

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