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.
I have an Auris Icon Touring Sport Hybrid 2015 model. Just been MOT’d no problem. Garage issued Smartguard paint which I wish to apply but cannot find the Catalytic converter. Is it contained within the exhaust i.e. integral ? I hope you are able to help please.
Hi Andrew,
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hi ToyotaUK,
Fine it’s GX15SDZ, Vehicle No. 66896.
Regards
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your comment.
We can now advise that your Toyota Centre should apply this and register the Smartwater marking for you.
Please call your Toyota Centre and advise them of this.
We hope this helps, please let us know if you have any issues.
Thanks.
Hi ToyotaUK,
Thanks for this and in fact unbeknown to me they have already supplied/ applied the smartpaint stuff to the relevant parts.
The only issue I have is whether a mechanical deterrent is advisable for this model, but I will also ask the ToyotaSevice Agent about this too.
Best regards
Hi Andrew,
Our systems advise that a CATLOC, ISR Marking Kit, Tilt Sensor and Bolt are available for your vehicle.
Your Toyota Centre would be best placed to confirm this.
Thanks.
Hello… where can we get the CAT protection kit for our Lexus RX? Have written to our local Lexus dealer but no reply as yet. We bought the RX from them but not sure they have any of the kits. Can we get one direct?
Hi Iain,
A Catloc is available for RX produced between Oct’09 – Sep’15. If your vehicle is compatible, you will be able to order through a Lexus centre.
Thanks
We have a RAV4 2021, & a Tundra 2022, & we’d like to purchase a cat cover anti theft device from San Bernardino CA, US. Please advise us our best options. We greatly appreciate you! 🤗🙏🏽
Hi Gera,
Thanks for your comment.
We would recommend contacting your nearest Toyota Centre to see what options are available for your vehicles.
Thanks.
You need to update this information as my Toyota Prius 2019 catalytic converter was stolen last week and now I cannot get a replacement for it!
Hi Pete,
We are sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
Please be assured we are doing all we can to produce these parts as quickly as we can.
Thanks.
I’ve been quoted 4 weeks so my car is now off the road for a month!
Please can you update this so people know that 2019 models are also affected too:
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.
Hi, my catalytic converter has been stolen from my Toyota Prius plus 2014.
Would the Catloc be included if I use my insurance company?
Hi Rehman,
We are sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
This is something you would have to discuss with your insurance company.
Thanks.
If this problem has been known about for a few years, why are Toyota not fitting a catlock as standard on new cars.
I purchased a Rav 4 in July 2021 and was not aware of this issue. Why then, should I now have to spend more money on what is a design issue!
I also have a 10 yr old Prius, which the cat was stolen at the weekend by 3 violent thugs!!
Not sure my next vehicle will be a Toyota, which is a shame as I love them!!
Hi Haydn,
We are really sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
Over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84%.
This means that catalytic converters in our newer vehicles are much less at risk of theft.
Thanks.
I’m hearing of a lot of Cat thefts in our area and was wondering if you could advise whether the cat on a 2019 Corolla is classed as high risk. Reg no MK19 AAY. Thanks in advance
Hi Paul, thanks for your comment.
Your Corolla is not deemed as a high-risk model. However, all Hybrids are eligible for forensic Smartwater marking. This can be carried out free of charge by your local Toyota Centre and we would recommend doing so.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
The Cat was stolen from our 2016 Prius last week. Our local Toyota dealer quoted minimum five weeks to get a replacement. Our neighbours’ 2019 Prius also had its Cat stolen even with a cat-loc fitted. Apparently there was a lot more damage to their car where the thieves removed the cat-loc so I don’t see the point of having one fitted. It’s been a problem for years and Toyota don’t seem to be doing anything worthwhile to help prevent these thefts. Marking with a serial number is useless. Must be a nice money maker for Toyota being able to sell so many Cats and cat-locs!
Hi Uday,
We are really sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
Unfortunately, criminals are using high-grade power tools that are difficult for any manufacturer to completely protect against.
Furthermore, these theft deterrent devices are supplied at zero profit to Toyota UK.
We are sorry for the distress this has caused and we hope you are back on the road soon.
Thanks.
HI
I am looking to purchase a Toyota Prius 2021 model, is this model also high-risk of theft for catalytic converter
Hi Rakesh,
The Toyota Prius is a high risk vehicle. There are theft deterrent devices available, like a Catloc and Smartwater.
Thanks.