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.
Is Toyota Auris 2018 model with 1.8L Excel VVT-h a high risk vehicle?
Hi,
If your vehicle is a hybrid, it is classed as high risk. Please contact your nearest centre to enquire about theft deterrent devices.
Thanks
Is the Yaris 2022 CC easy for the thieves. Thanks
Hi Lloyd,
This Yaris is a low risk vehicle, however a CATLOC can be fitted by a Toyota Centre if you wish.
Thanks.
How about a 2018 Toyota C-hr hybrid with the 1.8l, there has been a video of cat-theft in my close neiborhood, during the day, took them 4 minutes… Would the catlok be compatible with my vehicle ?
Hi,
A Catloc is available for your vehicle. Please contact your nearest Toyota centre to get one ordered and fitted.
Thanks
Hi, I am getting a used 2019 Corolla Icon hybrid tech. Is a Catloc necessary for protection against theft?
Thanks
Hi Linda,
Thanks for your comment.
Would you be able to provide us with this vehicle’s registration number so we can look into this for you?
Thanks.
Thank you for your reply. The vehicle registration number is RG19 UOC. Thanks!
Hi Linda,
Unfortunately, we have been unable to find a vehicle with this registration.
Please double check it is correct.
Thanks.
Sorry again! It’s RJ19 UOC
Hi Linda,
This Corolla is a low risk vehicle, however a CATLOC can be fitted by a Toyota Centre if you wish.
Thanks.
I am having massive issues with the reduced ground clearance caused by the catloc, every sleeping policeman style bump causes the catloc to bend inwards leaving the car with an awful rattle sound due to the cat knocking against the catloc! The vehicle is a 2015 auris touring sports hybrid 1.8. I have had 3 visits to my local garage in the last month to have it bent back into shape! Is there anything that can be done to increase the ground clearance? Tyres are correctly inflated, no heavy loads being carried. Please help!
Hi Darren,
We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.
Ultimately, attaching a protective cage to the underside of your vehicle may cause issues with ground clearance.
Unfortunately, there is nothing further we can do to assist you at this time.
Thanks.
So is this a common issue? If so I will likely get rid of the car all together. Is it not possible to get a suspension lift kit installed? Just to clarify we are not talking about particularly high bumps, we are talking about those tiny little speed humps you find in car parks. It seems ridiculous that a few millimetres of reduced ground clearance would result in the car crunching down on such shallow bumps.
Is my RAV4 as risk, reg is FP18 OAD
Hi Kin,
Thanks for your question.
Your RAV4 should be a low risk vehicle.
Please contact your Toyota centre to see what protection measures are available to you.
Thanks.
I have just aquired a 2022 Corolla Hybrid hatchback, is it at a high risk and will the Catloc fit?
Also, I have enquired twice at my dealer in Tamworth whether its watermarked but havent had a response. Is the Smartwater service still available?
Hi Nick,
Thanks for your comment.
Please may you provide us with your vehicle registration so that we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Yes its BT22 VLF
Hi Nick,
Due to the low risk nature of this vehicle, a Toyota CATLOC is not available.
Thanks.
Thats good to know, thank you 👍👍
Hi Is a 2016 Toyota Auris 1.2T at risk of cat converter theft? Also Im concerned getting cat lock fitted will have more problems re damage going over road bumps. The car is already quite low, so cat lock will probably be damaged by road bumps
Hi Anon,
Technically any vehicle fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft.
However, theives tend to target older hybrid models.
As your vehicle is a 1.2T, it is not considered high risk and therefore, there is not a Toyota CATLOC available for this vehicle.
Thanks.
Hi,
I’m buying a “TOYOTA AURIS 1.6 VALVEMATIC ICON” (2013 reg), is this vehicle at risk from catalytic converter theft?
Best,
David
Hi David,
Thanks for your question.
Non-hybrid vehicles are not considered high-risk, so a CATLOC isn’t available for your vehicle.
However, technically any vehicle fitted with a cataylytic converter could be targeted.
Thanks.
Hi,
Can a Catalytic converter be stolen from a Toyota Hybrid C-HR?
Thanks in advance,
Hi Marta,
Thanks for your comment.
All vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter are technically at risk of theft, and theft of catalytic converters has been happening since they have been a legal requirement on all new petrol and diesel cars since 1993, albeit in relatively low numbers.
All catalytic converters contain precious metals that can be attractive to thieves, regardless of manufacturer or age.
However, the C-HR is a low risk vehicle, meaning it is not as attractive to thieves.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.