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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, including those in West Yorkshire, London and Suffolk, are advising owners of any car fitted with a catalytic converter to take precautions.

Any car fitted with a catalytic converter could be at risk. 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 cars sold in Europe since 1993 have had to be fitted with 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 in the main, the value of the catalytic converter for recycling is the main attraction to thieves, because they contain precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium.

What is Toyota doing to stop its cars being targeted?

In May 2021, Toyota (GB) announced that it would be covertly marking more than 100,000 catalytic converters in order to combat theft. By working with police and Smartwater, catalytic converters can be tagged with an invisible yet traceable marking, meaning 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.

It is free to get the catalytic converter marked, all customers need to do is call their local Toyota or Lexus retailer to arrange a visit.

In addition to this, Toyota has issued 20,000 Smartwater kits to police to support their local anti-catalyst theft initiatives. The company is also working with the AA, Toyota’s roadside partner, so its patrols can point customers to where they can get a free kit.

We have also developed and reduced the price of a ‘Catloc’ device which can deter theft and make it more difficult. Toyota teams in the UK and other countries are urgently exploring new technical possibilities to deter criminals as well.

We are working with the police, as well as talking to government about changes in the law around scrap metal sales that would make it harder for criminals to sell stolen catalysts for cash.

However, these are criminal operations and our scope is therefore limited. A number of police forces are taking action and some forces, such as Nottinghamshire, are also starting awareness campaigns. It is vitally important for anyone who is a victim of this crime to report it to their local police force as quickly as possible.

In the main, it remains older cars that are targeted because advances in efficiency and technology mean the latest generations of Toyota catalytic converters contain vastly lower amounts of precious metals, whilst 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 Catloc 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 catalytic converters ‘unstealable’. A Catloc makes it harder to steal a catalytic converter, slowing thieves down and acting as a deterrent. As mentioned above, we’re doing all we can to seek further technical options for customers.

Is Catloc available for my Toyota?

Catloc devices are available for a growing proportion of our range, but not all. We recommend speaking to your local Toyota centre.

How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?

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

We have moved to reduce the prices of replacement catalytic converters and Catlocs to a level where Toyota GB does not make any profit from supplying them to customers.

Your nearest Toyota centre can advise on exact costs after inspecting your vehicle.

Is it true that there is a long wait for replacement catalytic converter parts for Toyota cars?

The rapid rise in this crime in 2019 is one we could not have envisaged, set against many years of low incidence of catalytic converter theft. This initially impacted our ability to source enough of the parts we needed in some cases, for which we sincerely apologise.

Toyota has restarted production lines in Japan and France that made catalysts for many of the older models targeted in order to supply affected owners, developed a Catloc security device which helps deter theft (and has been granted a “Sold Secure with Gold Status” security ranking) and ensured it makes no profit at all from the sale of replacement catalysts or from Catlocs, providing them at cost.

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 13 May 2021, so some of the responses to reader comments below have been superseded by more recent information.

2,396 comments

  1. I don’t have a Prius or Yaris but I do have a Lexus RX 400h (absolutely love my Lexus) and realized on Saturday night my catalytic converter had been taken car not been used for a week so only God knows when it was taken. Just had another 1 fitted but I am scared about bringing it home from the garage. What if it happens again? I can’t keep paying out for new converters

    Reply

    1. Hi Karen,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been a victim of this crime and we can imagine how frustrating and upsetting this situation is for you. We’ll continue to work with the police authorities to try to put a stop to this crime wave.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  2. Another statistic for you Toyota: My catalytic converter was stolen from my 63 Auris Hybrid. This was during the day at a parkmark accredited safe carpark (Toton Tram Park and Ride). I have now discovered that it will take MONTHS to be replaced due to the shortage of parts. I now know that this is an ongoing and serious problem with certain Toyota models so.. WHY was I not informed that my car would be a target and offered measures to help protect it. Despite what you say, this is a design flaw and you should have contacted customers to rectify this. I am now without a car for months for what should have been an avoidable event. You keep saying that it is 1) not a design flaw and 2) that any car can be affected . Yet a little research shows that it is prevalent in certain Toyota models and hence is a design flaw. Appalling service. Where are the parts and when are they coming??

    Reply

    1. Hi Anjali,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are extremely sorry to hear you have been targeted by criminals. We will email you directly to get a customer relations case set up on your behalf.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. I already have a customer relations case open for this and each time I/they call, I just get to hear how nobody knows anything about when you will get parts. Same as everyone else I guess… Perhaps you can provide horse drawn carriages for us victims?

      2. Hi Anjali,

        Thanks for getting back in touch. We’re happy you are now in touch with our customer relations team and your dealer. We can see that they are tracking you part and working with you to resolve this.

        Thanks.

  3. Toyota seems not to have faced the consequences of this systematic crime against their brand: it could make the entire range unsaleable, first in Britain, then across the world. Nobody who has had this aggravation would sign up for it again. Many do not; older models are written off.

    This is what Toyota can do. First the facts:

    There are two manufacturing plants in the UK, representing a total investment of £2.75 billion and employing approximately 3,000 members (including Agency). The vehicle manufacturing plant is located at Burnaston in Derbyshire and the engine manufacturing plant is located at Deeside in North Wales.

    Identify every MP with a car plant or a dealership in their constituency, then write to each of them explaining that if Toyotas become unsaleable through no fault of their own, then over 3,000 jobs will go, and easily that many again in dealerships and associated trades – I counted 196 dealers. Urge the MPs to talk to their chief constables, police commissioners and heads of the local CPS to see if the trade in stolen cats can be hampered. If dealers won’t buy them , thieves have no incentive to take them.

    Start there, but; Toyota needs to be talking to many more institutions such as local councils, hospitals and insurers to help break this inland piracy – before it breaks Toyota.

    Reply

  4. Had the cat from my Auris stolen 3 weeks ago and just told the insurers repairers have the parts now and will have car tomorrow. Feeling incredibly angry and let down by Toyota, why aren’t anti theft devices fitted as standard. Found this blog after the theft and no warning by Toyota that this was a problem. To add insult to injury I just had a letter from a dealer I’ve used in the past to tell me about cat thefts and would I like to spend £250.00 on a cat lock. Don’t know if this is co incidence or if they found out parts were being sought for my car. Either way it feels like profiteering from crime and my misfortune at my expense. Instead of trying to make money from customers they should be offering security locks free or at least at cost/discount.

    Reply

    1. Hi Peter,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been put in this awful situation due to organised crime. Toyota has seen a clear increase in Catalytic converter thefts in specific areas of the UK. This issue is industry wide and is not exclusive to Toyota; we have responded to the rise in thefts of catalytic converters by reducing the unit price where possible.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    2. Yeah, I had my catloc fitted in the Colchester Toyota branch following mine being stolen. I have a service plan with the branch, and a service coming up, and so I asked whether the would have advised me of the increased risk on my Auris hybrid and whether they would have advised a catloc, and they said no. When I asked why they weren’t sending out correspondence advising catlocs, or advising at services, they said only certain areas were being affected. I replied that this doesn’t help when I love locally, but travelled and had it stolen in Oxford. They then said that it was the responsibility of Toyota Uk to advise, to which I replied that I’d already called them, and logged a complaint and they said it was up to the local dealers to give the appropriate advise, and that they had advised dealerships in the at risk areas to advise their customers. Sounds like they are passing responsibility between Toyota UK and the local dealerships, no one is taking responsibility to warn us.

      Reply

      1. Hi there,

        Thanks for getting in touch and for sharing these additional details of your experience. We are incredibly sorry you have been a victim of this crime and for any misunderstanding that may have been caused. We will add your comments to the customer relations case you have with us and someone should be in touch with you soon.

        Thanks.

  5. Hi,

    My wife has just called. Her 2018 Auris Hybrid had it’s cat & silencer removed by three individuals while she was shopping in Barnet.
    Toyota dealership can’t give me a date for when the part is available at all.
    How do Toyota propose to help except by giving the same apology I have read on this page numerous times?

    Thanks,

    Reply

    1. Hi Javed,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been a victim of organised crime. Our customer relations team are dealing with customer issues like yours on a case by case basis. We will email you directly to get more details to open a case on your behalf.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. Just received the standard Apology email. My Response:
        My local dealer said it would cost £200 to fit a cat lock as a deterrent.
        Why is this not fitted as standard? I am surprised you don’t offer to fit it for free for all those who have to wait weeks/months for a part.
        I was not offered this when I bought the car in early 2019 (when the blog shows the issue was known and catloc was available).
        No mention was made of the susceptibility of these cars to having this part stolen.
        If you produce and ship these from Japan, surely it will not take more than a few weeks to get here?
        If you were aware of this issue a few months ago as the blog suggests, I don’t feel like Toyota are on top of the situation.

        How would you feel not being able to use your car for an unknown period (The local dealer implied months) because the manufacturer does not seem to respond to the needs of customers.
        It’s not what a Toyota customer expects.
        I will think twice before buying Toyota again.

      2. Hi Javed,

        Thanks for getting back in touch with us. We are incredibly sorry you have been impacted by this situation and we fully appreciate the distress this may have caused you. Catloc parts have been available in our network since January 2019 however, this sudden rise in criminal activity is one we could not have envisaged set against many years of low incidents of theft. We have seen a huge rise in demand for parts due to the recent crime wave for catalytic converters in certain areas of the UK. We, and our supply chain, are unable to keep up with demand for this essential part.

        However, please be aware we are doing everything we can to ensure parts can be found and working with our European counterparts to make sure this is resolved as quickly as possible.

        Thanks.

      3. Now my wife wants to get rid of the car.
        She is afraid of it happening again.
        She doesn’t want to have to go through the theft and all the waiting/hassle we are going through now to get it sorted again.
        Toyota just lost another customer. Maybe it will make them wake up, who knows?

      4. Hi Javed,

        Thanks for getting back in touch. We can see our Customer Relations team are working on your case and we have added these additional comments into it as they are best placed to help you further.

        Thanks.

  6. Cat converter stole from our Toyota Auris Hybrid today at P&R in Bristol. While RAC were hitching it up to tow away heard another car going off with the same problem, had a wander over and guess what – another Toyota Auris Hybrid. You say that many cars are targeted but clearly the thieves are targeting your models specifically. There must have been 500-1000 cars in that lot today and the only model that is targeted is Auris Hybrid.

    So now we wait for the drawn out dredge of insurance claims, waiting for parts and eventually paying out a load of cash.

    In the mean time, I await your copy/paste answer Toyota

    Reply

    1. Hi David,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are sorry you have been a victim of crime and will email you directly regarding opening a customer relations case to discuss this further.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Raja,

      Thanks for getting in touch. Toyota has seen a clear increase in catalytic converter thefts in specific areas of the UK. However, this issue is industry wide and is not exclusive to Toyota. Any car fitted with a catalytic converter could be at risk. But where Toyota is concerned, second- and third-generation Prius models (2004-2009 and 2009-2016 respectively) and second-generation Auris Hybrid models (2012-2018) have been a particular target for thieves. We would recommend visiting your nearest Toyota Centre to order a Catloc for your vehicle as a preventative measure against opportunist theft.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. My car’s catalytic converter was stolen 8 days ago
        And it is a Toyota auris icon 2014 I wonder why the alarm of the car doesn’t work if there are expensive parts in a car the engineer’s should do the protection better

      2. Hi there,

        Most alarms are not configured to sense movement caused by this criminal activity which happens on the underside of the car. We are however exploring the technical possibilities that could counter this terrible phenomenon such as tilt sensors.

        Thanks.

      3. I think you will find that the recent increase in thefts are from Toyota due t the fact that they are relatively easy to remove

      4. I am considering buying a new Toyota corrolla hybrid .
        Can you tell if this model has the cat converter in the same location as the Auris and Prius and if so does it have the cat lock fitted or other security devices installed to prevent theft .

        Thank You

      5. Hi Alan,

        Thanks for getting in touch. Most vehicles have their Catalytic Converter in a similar place due to the nature of the part. The valuable metals and location of the part make it susceptible to thieves. This is not exclusive to Toyota vehicles and is an industry wide issue. However, we are supplying and installing Catlocs through our network with the part being readily available to fit. We would recommend contacting your nearest Toyota centre for more information on this.

        Thanks.

      6. Oh dear , So the Corrolla Hybrid also requires a Catloc fitted at extra cost to the customer but all this does is extends the time to steal from 2 to 5mins putting the owner at even greater risk of serious assault if they interrupt the perpetrators at work .. Sorry but when my current finance plan ends on my Auris will hand back and buy an alternative non Hybrid .

      7. Hi Alan,

        Thanks for coming back to us. Theft of catalytic converters is not a new offence, but it has always been relatively rare and all vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter is susceptible. Toyota vehicles are not the only ones being targeted and questions about the motivations and tactics of criminals should be addressed to the police.

        Thanks.

  8. To all those who are thinking the advice given by Toyota to get a CatLoc– please read through the comments below. Many report that even with a Cat Loc, thefts continue. This is backed up by the two garages I spoke to who both said the Cat Loc is not a deterrent– in fact, can result in greater damage. Toyota NEEDS to find another response. ‘Opening a customer claim’ basically means recommending a Cat Loc– until we all take action against Toyota, these thefts will continue. The police do not pursue these ‘minor’ crimes, our insurance rates go up and still Toyota does nothing. The consumer pays the price– even though it is absolutely clear that Toyotas are significantly more vulnerable than other cars. I am contacting my local newspaper– I encourage others to do the same. This is outrageous.

    Reply

    1. Hi Toby,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We share your frustration about this prevalent criminal activity. Unfortunately, there is nothing Toyota – or any other manufacturer – can do to prevent brazen, determined thieves from using industrial power tools to remove catalytic converters, or the preventative measures developed to try and deter them.

      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 outside the UK 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.

      We will email you directly regarding whether you would like us to put you back in touch with our customer relations team.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  9. Had my Cat converter stolen on the 19th July, with no sign of it being repaired any time soon.
    At the time you team “recommended contacting customer relations team, If I would like to discuss this situation further”. The final of our conversation was that I need to buy a Catloc.
    Lately, I realised that you changed your style with ” We will email you directly to get more details to open a case on your behalf”.
    Is this a sort of discrimination?
    Shouldn’t you treat all you customers fairly and equally?

    Reply

    1. Hi there,

      We are so sorry for this. We are still trying to react to the rise in customer cases caused by this surge in criminal activity affecting the whole industry. As part of this we are working to make it easier for customers to get the support from our customer relations team by opening cases on their behalf. We have changed our approach in recent days, however in your case we have noticed you have already been in contact with our customer relations team.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. That is no fair at all. The only thing that I have been told is to buy a Catloc. Is this the end of your discussion with your customers?

      2. Hi Simona,

        Thanks for getting back in touch. We are going to re-open your Customer Relations case so that we can update you on this rapidly changing situation.

        Thanks.

  10. Catalytic converter stolen from my toyota auris on 12/09/19 whilst parked in hospital car park. Unable to get to work the following morning leaving my department short staffed. Car was only bought 3 weeks earlier – at no time did the dealer mention issues with theft of catalytic converters and option of getting catloc fitted. I was unaware of issues until theft occurred – why aren’t toyota informing their customers of this issue and fitting Catloc free of charge to cars being sold through their dealerships.

    I am now going to be hugely out of pocket due to this issue along with large numbers of others if this blog is anything to go by despite insurance covering some of the costs. I have no idea when I will be able to get the car fixed – my local dealer already has two vehicles awaiting repair for 8+ weeks and am told the catloc is in short supply.

    Why are toyota not increasing production of these parts in the short time to reduce huge inconvenience and expense to their customers. Will be thinking twice about buying another toyota.

    Reply

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