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.
Can you tell me if my Toyota MW66XJN and
V19MCR are low risk and if free marking is available for them.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your question.
Technically, all vehicles fitted with a Catalytic Converter are at risk of theft.
However, both of these vehicles are considered low-risk.
Please contact your Toyota Centre in regards to SmartWater Marking for these vehicles.
Thanks.
Hi is the earlier 2019 RAV4 hybrid a high risk model for catalytic converter theft?
Hi,
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can check this for you.
Thanks.
We bought this item for a Prius hybrid after theft of a catalytic converter. New exhaust + cc fitted but Toyota garage claim not to know how to fit this item. Is this an approved catloc + how to fit it? Catalytic Converter Anti Theft Steel Guard Plate for Toyota Prius Hybrid 09-16 – Fits Toyota Prius 1.8 Hybrid 2009-2016 Models. “This is a high quality replacement part, made in one of our approved factories using the latest technology and materials. Alternative Part Numbers 17410-37300
Hi Isa,
Thanks for your comment.
Please contact our Customer Relations team regarding this issue.
You can find them here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
My cat has been stoken for a second time, this time WITH the catlock on, fitted by Toyota.
This is unacceptable, Toyota should have recalled all hybrids and should have found a solution by noe
Hi Radu,
We are very sorry to hear about your experience, we understand this can be very unsettling.
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.
Please contact our Customer Relations team to discuss this further – https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
Hi,
I own a RAV4 with reg: LF69NDN. What is the risk of its Catalytic Converter being stolen?
Thanks
Hi Julian,
Thanks for your question.
Technically, all vehicles fitted with a Catalytic Converter are at risk of theft.
However, this vehicle is considered low-risk.
Thanks.
Hello, i have corolla 21 estate BD21UVX, is it high or low risk to steal the convertor ? And is there lock available?
Hi Mostafa,
Thanks for your comment.
This vehicle is a low risk vehicle.
However, a CATLOC and Smartwater Marking are available if you would like them.
Please contact your Toyota Centre for more information on these.
Thanks.
Hi we are considering purchasing a Toyota Yaris cross hybrid, does this have a catalytic converter and if so what level of risk is associated with it and what security measures are available to protect it
Hi Tess,
Thanks for your interest in the Yaris Cross.
This vehicle is fitted with a Catalytic Converter, meaning that it is technically at risk of theft.
However, it is considered a low risk vehicle.
A CATLOC is available for Yaris Cross.
Please visit your Toyota Centre to find out further information on which protective measures are available.
Thanks.
I have a chr wm19 krz, is this a high or low risk and will it have had any protection fit already
Hi Darren,
Thanks for your comment.
Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft.
This vehicle is considered to be at a lower risk of theft, however a CATLOC is available.
Please visit your Toyota Centre to get this fitted and to find out whether your car already has any protective measures in place.
Thanks.
Hello,
Thank you for your write up, very informative. I have a Toyota aygo, 2014. Is this a high or low risk of catlytic converter theft? Would you recommend adding a cat lock?
Thank you.
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for your feedback.
Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft.
However, Aygo is considered a low-risk vehicle.
Please contact your Toyota Centre to find out about protective measures available for your car.
Thanks.
Hi,
Like to check whether my car FA19OMG at risk of CATALITIC CONVERTER being stolen. Beside the exhaust system, what about general car stolen rate of this model?
thanks
M.
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
Technically any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft.
However, this vehicle is considered a low-risk vehicle.
In regards to your question about the general rate of stolen cars, only the police can give accurate crime numbers.
Theft of catalytic converters is not a new offence, but it has always been relatively rare. Since-mid 2019 however, this crime has risen sharply.
Despite a significant rise in this crime, and not detracting from the distress it causes the victims, it still only affects a tiny fraction of our vehicles.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
thanks for your prompt reply. Could u check whether the free marking on the device is available for my car please? If I can do that with my next service. thanks
Hi,
ISR Marking should be available on your vehicle.
Please contact your Toyota Centre for more information.
Thanks.