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 guys I have a 2017toyota rav4 is this a risk of cat theft, also is there a cat lock for my vehicle.
Hi Keith,
Your RAV4 is a low risk vehicle.
Please contact your Toyota Centre to see what options are available to you.
Thanks.
Hello,
I have a toyota avensis 2006 car, I recently noticed that amber engine mark pop up continuously. As informed by garage it may come up because of catalytic converter issue.
When I inquire this from Toyota Eastbourne, East Sussex, they said they are not aware on anything related to catalytic converter or not offering any services for the same. Is this correct?
Hello Nilupul,
This is something that will need to be physically inspected by your nearest Toyota Centre.
After this, they can provide any necessary repairs or recommendations.
Thanks.
Hi,
Just got the new Yaris Cross is this high risk? Also, why isn’t standard to put cat lock and tilt alarm on all your hybrids as standard. Why do customers pay for the extra fee to have this equipped. Surely, toyota can do more for their customers?
Hi Bryan,
Thanks for your comment. Congratulations on your new Yaris Cross.
Please contact your nearest Toyota Centre to see what options are available to you.
However, targeted Toyota vehicles are almost always older hybrid models we no longer make.
This is because previous generations of catalytic converter for our hybrid vehicles had much larger quantities of precious metals in them, to help reduce vehicle emissions.
Newer ones have vastly less due to improved hybrid technology, and are not “worth” stealing.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
Hi Bryan
Read your comments and agree.
I too just got my Toyota Yaris cross and wonder if Catloc is worth installing?
What have you though and done?
Please share your thoughts.
Thanks n
Hi just had my 07 Prius cat stolen do have an idea on Cost to fit a cat lock system
Hi Kevin,
We are sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
Please contact your Toyota Centre to see what options are available to you.
Thanks.
I got Toyota auris hybrid 13 plate still I need catlock to secure my catalytic converter
Hi Ahsan,
Please provide the vehicle registration so we can check this for you.
Thanks.
Greetings
is my Toyota Auris 2012 (12 reg) 1.8 Petrol Hybrid a high risk model?
Any Catloc available?
Thanks
Hi Ken,
Any vehicle with a catalytic converter is technically at risk, but your vehicle is a particular target for thieves.
A range of theft deterrent devices are available for your vehicle. Your nearest Toyota centre will be able to talk you through it, order and fit you.
You can find them here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/#/publish/my_toyota_my_dealers
Thanks
Hello,
I own a 64 plate Verso (7 seater). Do I need to be worried?
Hi,
Any vehicle with a catalytic converter is technically at risk of theft. Whilst thieves target a range of different vehicles, they tend to target older hybrid models from our range.
Thanks
Hi Susan,
We are very sorry to hear that your vehicle has been targeted by criminals and we hope that you are back on the road ASAP.
The criminal gangs are known to look at this article for information to help them commit their crimes. We would recommend discussing details like precious metal content with your Toyota centre.
Thanks
I bought a brand new Toyota auris 2010
Should I install the catalock
Hi,
If your 2010 Auris is a hybrid, we do have a Catloc available.
Please contact your nearest Toyota centre to get one ordered and fitted.
Thanks
I have a nice example of a 2008 Toyota RAV4 D2D DX. I have just put new discs on the front and was going to do the same at the back, but it needs new brake back splash plates, can’t seem to locate the right ones. Would anyone know the code please, or are there other models that would fit, to many out there to get the right ones online. Also is there a reasonable kit, or any idea of DIY catalytic protection, to prevent theft of same. Thanks.
Regards John.
Hi John,
We only have Catlocs available for RAV4 Hybrid, but there are aftermarket kits that can be adapted to fit various models.
In terms of part, please contact your nearest Toyota centre for more information.
Thanks