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 Toyota Prius Hatchback 1.8 VVTi Plug-in Excel 5dr CVT a high risk model? Its registration number is KO17VNF. Thank you.
Hello Terence,
Your Prius Plug-in is a medium risk vehicle.
Please contact your Toyota Centre if you would like to explore protection options.
Thanks.
Thanks for your answer. What about Toyota Yaris HatchbackHybrid 1.5 Hybrid Icon Tech 5dr CVT with registration number LT68UDH?
Hi Terence,
This Yaris is a low risk vehicle, however a CATLOC can be fitted by a Toyota Centre if you wish.
You can find your nearest Toyota Centre here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-a-dealer?tab=pane-dealer.
Thanks.
Hi, is my toyota corolla mw71 plate high risk and if got a lock fitted would it void my Warranty?
Hi Azz,
Thanks for your question.
Technically, all vehicles fitted with a Catalytic Converter are at risk of theft.
However, this vehicle is not considered high risk, but there is a CATLOC available.
A CATLOC would not affect your warranty.
Please contact your Toyota Centre to get this fitted.
Thanks.
Hi, is a Yaris Bf03 xgk at risk? 1.0 hatchback petrol VVTi model.
Hi Ram,
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.
However, targeted Toyota vehicles are almost always 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.
Please contact your Toyota Centre to see what protection is available to you.
Thanks.
How about C-HR Hatchback 1.8 Hybrid ICON ? Does the CATLOC already installed?
Hi Kenneth,
Thanks for your comment.
None of our vehicles come with a CATLOC as standard, these are available for certain vehicles.
Please provide your vehicle registration if you would like us to check if a CATLOC is available for your vehicle.
Thanks.
2018 Prius plug in. Do you sell catloc for this model? thanks
Hi Mike,
Please may you provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hello, I am planning to buy a Yaris. May I know if it is at a high risk level? The reg number is GU64PPV. Do you have catloc for this model?
Many thanks!
Hi Step,
Thanks for your comment.
Technically, all vehicles fitted with a Catalytic Converter are at risk of theft.
However, this vehicle is not considered high risk, but there is a CATLOC available.
Please contact your Toyota Centre to get this fitted.
Thanks.
Hello Sir/Madam,
Recently cat convertor got stolen from my 2012- Auris Hybrid M1. Got it repaired via insurance claim but I have some questions —
Q1. Will insurance companies as a part of claim will add CAT-Lock?
Q2. Is there any way, design can be changed so that model / part can be made anti-theft?
Q3. Will the tri party agencies i.e. the car manufacturers , the insurance companies and the police come up with the solution rather than just saying it is oh it is stolen , claim it against the insurance!
I hope you ( all parties ) will look into it and come to some sort resolution!
Thank you.
How to ensure
Hi Nitin,
Thanks for your questions.
We are very sorry to hear about your experience, we understand this can be very unsettling.
Please contact you insurance provider for more information on the cover they provide.
It’s not possible to re-design old cars, however some newer models have up to 84% less precious metals in the Catalytic Converter.
As detailed in this article, there is lots of work being done to try and reduce the amount of thefts that take place, but ultimately it is very difficult to stop determined, organised criminal gangs using power tools from committing this crime.
Thanks.
No I was not expecting you to re-design old car but it should have been designed well in the first place!
Hi I’ve got toyota corolla hybrid touring sports estate 2019 is any risk for this car Thanks
Hi Rafi,
Thanks for your question.
Would you be able to provide us with this vehicle’s registration number so we can look into this for you?
Thanks.
Also my reg in full is MW71 flh
Hello I have a new Toyota CHR-GR reg No EO22ZZG
I this model at risk for catalytic converter theft
Martin
Hi Martin,
Technically, all vehicles fitted with a Catalytic Converter are at risk of theft.
However, this vehicle is not considered high risk, but there is a CATLOC available.
Please contact your Toyota Centre to get this fitted.
Thanks.
15/08/2022.
I have a fairly new Rav Four (March 2022). Is the catalytic convertor marked on this vehicle, if not, can I get it marked – Hereford dealership being my nearest Toyota centre. The registration is CE22 HNC. Is it fitted with a Catloc, if not, can I get one fitted?
Hi Rod,
Thanks for your question.
Due to the low risk nature of this vehicle, a CATLOC is not available.
However, our systems advise that an ISR Marking Kit is available for your vehicle.
We would advise contacting your Toyota Centre to confirm and order this.
Thanks.
Hi there,
2019 Toyota Corolla hybrid Excel.
Reg number WR19FFZ.
How at risk am I and is Catloc available?
Thanks in advance
Hi Joshua,
Thanks for your question.
Technically, all vehicles fitted with a Catalytic Converter are at risk of theft.
However, this vehicle is not considered high risk, but there is a CATLOC available.
Thanks.