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.
Hi is 2012 1.5L hybrid Yaris a high risk model? Thanks.
Hi Charlotte,
Your Yaris is a low risk vehicle.
Please contact your Toyota Centre for further information on theft deterrents available to you.
Thanks.
Hi thanks for your reply, is CATLOC available for this model?
Hi Charlotte,
Our system shows that Yaris models later than July 2014 have a CATLOC available.
However, we would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre to see if this is available to you.
Thanks.
Hi is Toyota Yaris 2019 (68 reg) 1.5L hybrid Icon Tech 5dr CVT a high risk model? Thanks.
Hi Leung,
This is a low risk vehicle.
Thanks.
Thank you…does this need to install catloc for protect my car catalytic converter ?
Hi Leung,
A CATLOC should be available for your Yaris.
It is a physical theft prevention product.
Thanks.
Hi,
Is my Toyota Aygo White 2014 a high risk for cat-theft?
Thanks
Hi Amy,
Your Aygo is a low risk vehicle.
Thanks.
Hi,
Am thinking of getting the a Toyota C-HR hybrid model.
Since my current hybrid, Toyota Auris had its converter stolen am a bit worried if its as easy (or easier) on the C-HR models especially since it is bigger and possibly raised higher off the ground than the Auris. I am still keen to get an hybrid as the catalyst theft hasn’t put me off, yet!
Could you advise?
Hi Rich,
We are sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
The C-HR is a low risk vehicle for catalytic converter theft.
Thanks.
HI,
May I know Toyota Yaris 2019 (19 reg) 1.5L hybrid EXCEL 5dr CVT
had A CATLOC fitted my car ?
If not, how does the cost in Leicester
Thanks.
Hi Soyin,
Thanks for your comment.
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can check this for you.
Furthermore, your Toyota Centre would be best placed to advise on pricing of this.
Thanks.
Hi
What’s the status of catalysts for Toyota Auris hybrids? We’ve been waiting several months and can’t even get an estimated time for this..
Hi Jonas,
Your Toyota Centre Parts Department would be best placed to advise on this.
Thanks.
Toyota C-HR 2017 onwards are risk of catalytic converter theft?
Hi Das,
The C-HR is a low risk vehicle.
Thanks.
Our model is C-HR 2017 onwards and understand that it is a low-risk model. Yet, we are still looking for any protection can be done at your repairing centre.
Hi Terry,
It looks like the C-HR 1.8 litre hybrid can have a Catloc fitted, as well as a marking kit and bolt welding. Please contact your nearest Toyota centre to find out more.
Thanks
Hi,
Have 68 Reg Prius PHV. Have several queries and appreciate your answer one by one:
1. Is my PHV using the same catalytic converter as gen 4 Prius (need to reference to Prius as there is little information about catalytic converter theft on Prius PHV)?
2. Is mine high risk model? Toyota publicises that only gen 2 and gen 3 Prius are high risk, but your answer to some enquiries said that gen 4 is also high risk so I am confused whether gen 4 is of high risk model!
3. Is my PHV catalytic converter on the side of driver seat or passenger seat?
4. The thief will normally jack up the car when stealing the catalytic converter. Will this suppose to trigger the intrusion sensor alarm installed (by Toyota) in my PHV?
5. Is Catloc available for my model?
6. Is Smartwater available for free? And who should I contact for that?
Thank you!
Hi Walter,
Please provide the full vehicle registration so we can assist you with these questions.
Thanks.
Thank you ToyotaUK. I would prefer not to disclose the full reg number to public. Can part of the car registration number suffice? If not, would you advise your email address so that I can email it to you?
Hi,
We have emailed you directly.
Thanks.
Is the Lexus RXL 450H (MY70 plate) a high risk vehicle?
Hi Dan,
Over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84%.
Technically, any vehicle fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft.
However, as your RX L is a new vehicle, it should not be a high risk vehicle.
Thanks.