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.
Just had my Catalytic Convertor Stolen for the Second time! The last time, of course I had to pay my excess and lost my no claims even though it was a non-fault claim (Thanks to the useless Sainsburys Bank Insurance). It took over a month to get things sorted, during which time the disruption to family life was unbearable. I am an avid supporter and champion of Toyota cars. I was searching for two new cars for my children & told them that we will only buy Toyota. Unfortunately, this horrible crime has made me think about buying other makes which are not so popular with the thieves…The price of £1000 with loc and fitting is not bad, but it would be best if Toyota Corporate could make a deal with the insurance companies so they refer Toyota cars back to Toyota garages for the lowest price possible. That way Toyota customers would be happy, toyota staff would be employed and the insurance companies would save money, hence saving the public money on their policies. BUT who cares about the customer these days…last time it cost my insurance £2000. If anyone can help me to get it done cheaper in the Birmingham Area then that would be helpful.
Hi there,
Thanks for your message. We are incredibly sorry to hear you have been a victim of this crime on two occasions. We appreciate your concerns with this situation and we are taking every customer case incredibly seriously. We will email you directly in order to put you in touch with our customer relations team.
Thanks.
Hi, I have been waiting over a month now for replacement converter. On average how much longer should this be. Don’t ask me to email your customer service already done this and they have no ETA, neither dies my garage or torita garage where the part has been ordered from. Why can kwik fit rget hold of part but not Toyota
.
I had mine stolen from royal Stoke hospital car park.
I’am on my third Prius still have all three in my family wasn’t aware of this problem until my son had his taken from his drive.I think Toyota have been very slow to address the problem if we had a tilt switch in the alarm it would stop the thieves at least outside the house.
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been a victim of this crime. We will email you directly in order to gain additional details and open a customer relations case on your behalf.
Thanks.
I’ve just had the converter stolen from my Auris. Can’t believe I knew nothing about this! I now have to go through insurance to fix it. Why has this issue not been sorted out by Toyota and why was I not informed of the risk when I bought my car from the Toyota dealer? I just want rid of the Auris now, so worried it will keep happening.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been a victim of this crime. We are working hard to support all our customers impacted by this situation and would like to put you in touch with our customer relations team, who will be able to help you further. We will email you directly regarding this.
Thanks.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. We can see our team are working on your open case and would recommend contacting them directly if you would like to discuss your situation in more detail. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may be causing you and we are working to get this resolved as soon as possible.
Thanks.
I have gone through many comments here and I am fail to understand why Toyota is not doing anything about it. How can Toyota leave their customers to the mercy of thiefs? If nothing, at least make the alarm go off if someone try to steal it. Don’t make us believe it is so difficult for Toyota engineers to protect it.
My Catalytic Converter was stolen last month. My car is still in garage for repair and haven’t got it back. However, while its being repaired I am looking for ways to protect it from being stolen again. I have no idea how can I do that.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. We are incredibly sorry to hear you have been a victim of this crime. We will email you directly in order to put you in touch with our customer relations team.
We are also sorry for how you feel we are handling the situation. We are working to not only support our customers who have been impacted, but also urgently look into other technical possibilities we can offer.
Thanks.
Toyota UK is not doing anything to assist their customers on this matter at all. I had my catalytic converter stolen in August and only got it taken for repair on the 31st October. It was after the catalytic converter got fitted that i was informed that the Prius Plus model series has no catloc made to protect my new catalytic converter, i was so disappointed as i was initially promised that it will be fixed to my car now i have to take my car back leaving it again for these thieves to come back for the catalytic converter.
I have however refused to collect this car back instead i would return it to the garage i bought from and maybe i can get some money back to buy another car from a different manufacturer.
I have lost income infact it has affected me in so many ways but in the end Toyota does not want to assist in anyway including assisting with the catloc.
I have alway been a user of Toyota brand but this incident and experience has left a bad taste in my mouth and i would henceforth not be buying any Toyota brand and would ensure i discourage friends and colleagues from purchasing Toyota cars especially the hybrid range with the messed up catalytic converter .
Toyota has been aware of this incident for over 5 years or more yet they do not do anything to protect these part there leaving their customer at the hands of these thieves.
Hi Abi,
Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you aren’t happy with how we are working to resolve your case. We can see our team have been in touch with you and we will add your additional comment into your case.
Thanks.
Hi, I have just had my new Rav4 delivered. I have spoken with my local Toyota dealer who say that Toyota do not offer a catlock for the Rav. Is this correct ? If it is, will one be available soon ? or is there an alternative ?
Hi, just taken delivery of a new rav4. I have called my local dealer & they say that there is not a cat lock available for the rav. Is this correct ? Are you planning to release one to fit the rav ?
Have a look at CatClamp from http://www.catsafe.org.uk
They have have 4 different models. Price range from £99 to £350. Depending on your budget.
Their installation pricing is: £85 + VAT.
Having had my CAT stolen, I have just bought an adjustable CATLOC(brand name) on ebay for £45 for my Prius 2, it seems to adjust from very small to very large, maybe one of these will fit, there are many other types aswell, much cheaper than Toyota ones, I’m sure any garage will fit it for you. I will try and fit my own. Here is a link.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR4.TRC0.A0.H2.Xcatloc+.TRS0&_nkw=catloc+&_sacat=0
Hi There,
Thanks for your message. We don’t currently have a Catloc for the RAV4. The Catlocs we have available are produced for models deemed most at risk. We are constantly assessing the situation and looking into technical possibilities that will best protect our vehicles. Any updates will be shared across our blog and social channels.
Thanks.
Hello, I have been waiting for 2 months now to get my stolen converter to be replaced. This is a joke – in Europe (where UK is still in) you can buy it within 2-3 weeks. Why does it take 2 months in the UK? Also there is no available catlock for the model I have – Auris with 11 reg number. What can I do? Any suggestion is welcome.