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. Hi guys I have a 2017toyota rav4 is this a risk of cat theft, also is there a cat lock for my vehicle.

    1. Hi Keith,
      Your RAV4 is a low risk vehicle.
      Please contact your Toyota Centre to see what options are available to you.
      Thanks.

  2. 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?

    1. 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.

  3. 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?

    1. 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.

    2. 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

    1. 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.

  4. Greetings
    is my Toyota Auris 2012 (12 reg) 1.8 Petrol Hybrid a high risk model?
    Any Catloc available?

    Thanks

    1. 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

  5. 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

    1. 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

  6. 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.

    1. 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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

To be the first to hear about all of our latest news, offers and events, check the box below, we’ll send these communications by email, phone, SMS or post. Be assured that Toyota will only share your personal information with companies that are an integral part of fulfilling the services we deliver. If you would like to find out more about how we process your data please visit our privacy policy for details.

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time.