Catalytic converter theft: how to protect your car

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.

2,390 comments

  1. I am shocked that the catalytic converter of my Toyota 18 Auris has been stolen just outside my driveway on 12 Jan 22 evening when we are inside the house. It appears thefts are getting more and more aggressive these days. It is also worse my car is still awaiting to be fixed after many weeks. There are delays from the insurance side as many similar cases, and also possible shortage of stocks in Toyota garages for replacement. Looking back the comments in this chat, the crime is in UK for so many years but it appears getting worse and Met polices are unable to catch anyone. As most cases are related to Toyota hybrid, why Toyota failed to lead the industry and lobby the government to change the current policy to avoid thefts re-sell the stolen parts to stop this crime, just like some other countries? If this is unable to stop, better avoid Toyota second hand hybrid in future!

    1. Hi Jason,
      Thanks for your comment, we are really sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
      As catalytic converters contain precious metals, any car containing one is in theory at risk of theft. Over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84% and currently produce CatLocs for vehicles considered most at risk, but criminals are using high-grade power tools that are difficult for any manufacturer to completely protect against.
      Once again, we are sorry that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
      If there is anything else we can do to assist you at this time, please let us know.
      Thanks.

      1. It appears there is a backlog of catalytic converter order in UK and so replacement has to be waited, thus adding much inconvenience! With crime rate on the increase, Toyota should stock up for the replacement.
        Also as most cases are related to Toyota hybrid, why Toyota failed to lead the industry and lobby the government to change the current policy to avoid thefts re-sell the stolen parts to stop this crime, just like some other countries?

  2. Hi, I am extremely shocked that the catalytic converter of my Toyota 18 Auris has been stolen on Jan 24, 2022 from a very busy education institution (Which is considered to be a most secured staff parking, and my car was the one next to the car park barrier and on top, my cat had 3-4 cctv cameras. Not only me but there were 4 other cars had the same incident (other three were Toyota, Lexus and Honda). It is also disappointing that my car is still awaiting to be fixed after 10 days and the garage said that the parts are short. In addition, my insurer not able to provide the courtesy car as they don’t have one available to supply. I am in great stress now and regret that I opted to r got rid of my volva and buy Toyota 18 from the dealer and the dealer was not even bothered to mention this to me. Not a happy customer. I have to commute every day from Gloucester to Bristol through train and bus and it takes 2-2.5 hours one way. Don’t no when it is going to be resolved. I also used to drop my daughter on my way to bristol (took me additional 15 mins) but now my daughter also now using public transport and it took her around 2 hours to reach to her school.

    1. Hi Khalid,
      We are really sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
      As catalytic converters contain precious metals, any car containing one is in theory at risk of theft.
      Over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84% and currently produce CatLocs for vehicles considered most at risk, but criminals are using high-grade power tools that are difficult for any manufacturer to completely protect against.
      Once again, we are sorry that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
      If you would like to raise your situation further, we would recommend contacting our Customer Relations team directly. You can do so here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre/email-us
      Thanks.

  3. For many owners whose Toyota is their only family car and in daily use, can they still drive it after its catalytic converter has been stolen and while they are waiting for a replacement catalytic converter to be fitted?

    1. Hi there,
      Thanks for your comment.
      If your vehicle does not have a catalytic converter fitted, it will produce emissions above the permitted standards, making it illegal to drive on the road.
      Thanks.

      1. But at present there are no spare catalytic converters in UK and so replacement has to be waited, thus adding much inconvenience. I have been waiting for more than 2 weeks now for the parts to arrive and still no date when my car can be fixed!!

        With crime rate on the increase, Toyota should stock up more spares for potential replacement to help the suffered car owners to get our car back on the road soonest again!

  4. The catalyser was stolen from my 2013 Auris a few months ago and replaced quickly. I am now about to buy a new Yaris Cross Excel. What precautions have been taken to make catalyser theft more difficult on this model and should I get a Catloc and tilt alarm fitted?

    1. Hi John,
      Thanks for your comment.
      In recent years with changes in catalytic converter design, Toyota have reduced the amount of precious metals in the converter by up to 84%.
      This essentially makes the converter less attractive to thieves.
      We hope this helps.
      Thanks.

  5. I understand from my Toyota dealer that there are no catalytic converter parts available in UK for replacement at present, and Toyota UK is unable to give an expected delivery date to customers. This is terrible as my car has been grounded in their garage for more than 3 weeks waiting for the parts!!

    May I know what is Toyota UK doing to help speed up the process and when can parts be available in UK?

    If there are parts in the north/south of UK, can they be transported to other side of the country to help maintain the replacement needs?

    1. Hi Jason,
      We are really to sorry to hear about the inconvenience this has caused.
      Please be assured we are doing everything we can to ensure your vehicle is repaired as soon as possible.
      If you’d like to raise your case further, you can do so here – https://fal.cn/3lnvs.
      Thanks.

  6. My cat was stolen from Flitwick, Bedfordshire in Jan 2022 on my driveway whilst I was in the house. A criminal gang blocked my front door and smashed the car bodywork up to spite me (after I hurled some abuse at them). I’m awaiting a part (4-6 week back log). Aside from Catlock, are there any other deterrents for this kind of crime? I am looking to arm myself and setup CCTV in case they return, but are there mechanisms to prevent the car being jacked up (tilt alarm?) .

    1. Hi Dave,
      We are really sorry to hear that you have been affected by this horrible crime.
      Please can you provide your vehicle registration so we can check what is available to you.
      Thanks.

    2. I have a similar case and my catalytic converter was also stolen in Jan, while my car is parked in front of my own house driveway. The theft these days are getting more fierce and violence! The police has no chance to catch them and the government is not helping with any changes of policy, so the situation would just getting worse.

      It is also bad that there are no catalytic converter parts available in UK for replacement at present, and even Toyota UK is unable to give an expected delivery date to customers! This is terrible as my car has been grounded in their garage for more than 4 weeks waiting for the parts!!

      Toyota UK please help!!!

    1. Hi Jason,
      Please be assured that a member of our Customer Relations team will be in contact with you soon.
      Thanks.

  7. Hi, I have a 2014, 1329cc Yaris. Is there any advantage as a deterrent for Cat Converter theft as to parking in a certain way – drivers side, passenger side or rear/boot close to a wall, etc?
    What level of risk is my car classed as?
    Thank you.

      1. Hi,
        Your Yaris is classed as low risk.
        Please contact your Toyota Centre to see what options are available for protecting your vehicle.
        We hope this helps.
        Thanks.

  8. I don’t believe you are doing anything and you are profiteering from these thefts my daughter had hers stolen last night she has her business to run but now might have to wait weeks . She has been mentally unstable through out lockdown and this may push her over the edge . Thanks a lot Toyota

    1. Hi Paul,
      We are really sorry to hear that your daughter has been affected by this crime.
      As catalytic converters contain precious metals, any car containing one is in theory at risk of theft.
      Over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84% and currently produce CatLocs for vehicles considered most at risk.
      However, criminals are using high-grade power tools that are difficult for any manufacturer to completely protect against.
      Please be aware we are constantly monitoring this situation and are doing all we can to support our customers that have been impacted by this horrible crime.
      Once again, we are sorry that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
      Thanks.

  9. Had mine stolen. Is there a safe way to park, perhaps backed up to my other car
    Are there current supplies for a 2005 Yaris t sport

    1. Hi Rajen,
      We are really sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
      We would recommend parking your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this isn’t an option, then park it in a well-lit and well-populated area.
      Parking close to fences, walls or a kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult.
      However, it is difficult for any manufacturer or individual to protect against determined criminal gangs.
      Your Toyota Centre would be best placed to advise on all parts enquiries.
      We hope you are back on the road soon.
      Thanks.

      1. Hi Tejindersingh,
        Thanks for your comment.
        Please contact your nearest Toyota Centre to see what options are available to you.
        Thanks.

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