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Catalytic converter theft: how to protect your car

By TOYOTA 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.

2,452 comments

  1. Is the C-HR vulnerable to catalytic converter theft and if so, what is available as a deterrent for this model? Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hello Steve, thanks for your comment.

      The C-HR is currently predicted as a low-risk model. However, we would recommend getting in touch with your local Toyota Centre as they will be able to forensically mark the catalytic converter with SmartWater which is helping to deter theives. They will also be able to check if your vehicle can be fitted with a Catloc.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi,

      Technically all vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter are at risk of theft. We do supply a Catloc for the 1.8 hybrid Corolla, as well as Smartwater kits and bolt welding. Unfortunately a tilt alarm is not currently available for this vehicle.

      Thanks

      Reply

  3. Is toyota RAV4 hybrid 2020 model vulnerable to catalytic converter theft? if so is catloc available for this model?

    Thanks.

    Reply

    1. Hi Jo,

      Technically, any vehicle fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft. Organised criminal gangs tend to be targeting older hybrid vehicles. It is considered low risk at the moment, therefore a Catloc is not currently available. However, you can have the catalytic converter marked with Smartwater. We are constantly re-evaluating our position and if necessary, we’ll develop and introduce a Catloc for that vehicle.

      Thanks

      Reply

  4. Hi I am buying a Hybrid corolla in July 2021, I spoke to the Toyota dealership and they couldnt put my mind at rest on how this model is protected into relation theft of catalyst converters… or even what measures are in place, I also asked about smart water and they said they do not do this for new models… Can someone advise me i dont know if i should just withdraw from buying?

    Reply

    1. Hi Ro,

      Thanks for your interest in the Corolla. Technically, any vehicle fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft. Organised criminal gangs do tend to target older hybrids though. Whilst the new Corolla is currently considered low risk, we have developed a Catloc for the 1.8 litre hybrid Corolla. Smartwater marking kits can be applied to any vehicle.

      Thanks

      Reply

  5. I have an old 2007 Auris Diesel. How high a risk are diesel models, and what’s the best way of protecting it?

    Reply

  6. Hi, looking at purchasing new CHR 1.8 model, is the car at high risk of having a catalyst convertor stolen?

    Reply

    1. Hi Ash,

      Thanks for your interest in the C-HR. Technically, any vehicle fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk, but older hybrids tend to be the main target for thieves. C-HR is considered low risk, but a Catloc is available on the 1.8 hybrid model for peace of mind.

      Thanks

      Reply

    1. Hi,

      2013 Yaris Hybrid is considered low risk. There is currently not a Catloc available for your vehicle.

      Thanks

      Reply

  9. i have a Toyota Prius+ Estate 1.8 VVTi Excel TSS 5dr CVT Auto . Is my car classed as high risk of having cat stolen and how much is catloc for my model

    Reply

    1. Hi Michael, thanks for your comment.

      Your Prius would be classed as high risk and a Catloc is available at a cost of approximately £250. Your local Toyota Centre will be able to confirm this cost.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  10. Why are Toyota emblazoning their vehicles with HYBRID as this surly says come and steal my converter !
    And marking a converter doesn’t deter anybody as it’s under the car and when it’s nicked thieves no who to sell to!
    The logical deterrent is to make a converter that doesn’t have all these precious metals in them, and that isn’t beyond expectations in this day and age!
    And then to have Toyota replace the converters free of charge to drivers of their vehicles! WOW! What a customer relation coup that would be!
    George.

    Reply

    1. Hi George, thanks for your comment.

      Newer vehicles do have a much lesser percentage of precious metals in the catalytic converter. As for prices, we carry out all replacements and the fitting of catalytic converters at cost price and do not make a profit from this work.

      Thanks.

      Reply

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