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.
My catalytic converter theft this evening 22nd December at 4 pm, I think it’s so easy to stolen because I was in a shopping centre just for 30 minutes, I don’t know who is responsible for the poor protection of this car.my car is toyota auris 2013.
Hi Vahid, thanks for reaching out to us.
We are very sorry to hear that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves.
Technically, any car fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft, but organised criminal gangs have been targeting some of our older hybrid models due to the higher amount of precious metals within the catalytic converter.
These materials were fitted to make the catalytic converter more efficient at removing harmful emissions, making the car cleaner. There was no way we could have envisaged the value of these materials rising so high in the last few years.
As our hybrid systems have become more efficient, our newer models have up to 84% reduced precious metal content in the catalytic converter, making them less attractive to thieves. This is a criminal issue, and we working with various agencies, including the Police, to try to put a stop to it.
Please contact your Toyota Centre to see what protective measures are available for your vehicle. If you would like to discuss this further, we recommend contacting our Customer Relations Team here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Once again, we are very sorry that this has happened to you and hope you are back on the road soon.
Many thanks.
The catalytic converter of my RAV4 plug in hybrid was stolen the 21st of December in a car park. It took them just one minute (CCTV images show this). Police report done but police say they can’t identify the thieves. My car was towed to nearest Toyota garage (130£) that quoted 1400£ for replacement (!!!) and cannot commit on date as the part is on back order for…. 13th of January !!! They don’t think a cat lock exists for RAV4 !!! I had to rent a car for 900£. As I live in France I have to book flights back home (320£) and I’ll have to come back to the UK to get the car when it is fixed. After insurance pays for some of this, it will cost me 1600£. I don’t know who is responsible for the poor protection of this car but I am clearly unhappy about that. Obviously efforts made by Toyota are insufficient. I hope this message will get Toyota to really help with specific short term actions on this. The current situation is just unacceptable for a brand like Toyota.
Hi Callet,
We are sorry to hear that you have been affected by this horrible crime.
Please be assured we are working with the police and various other agencies to put a stop to it.
If you would like to raise your complaint further, please contact our Customer Relations Team here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
Thanks for your answer. I like your empathy but it’s not what I expect from a brand like Toyota. I expect specific actions to deal with the problem. I suggest :
1- Making sure more converters are manufactured as the demand rises because of more thefts and avoid your customers to wait more than a month to get their car repaired. This is costly (car rental) and inconvenient !
2- Providing a cat lock option when we buy the car or when it has been targeted. I don’t mind paying for it, it’s a fraction of the cost I incurred with car rental/converter replacement. Toyota does that in the US for the RAV4 in partnership with Catshield (see link below). When will Toyota UK do it ?
https://catshield.com/blogs/news/dealer-direct-protective-upgrade-options-for-toyota-and-lexus-customers
It would be good business for Toyota and excellent benefits for your clients. Doing nothing but empathy is not enough. We will just by other brands.
Hi Callet, thanks for your comment.
We appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback.
CATLOCs are available when buying a Toyota, depending on the vehicle. You can ask your Toyota Centre about this upon purchase.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Customer Relations Team. You can find them here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
Your answer is ambiguous. Saying that CATCLOCs are available at purchase time is right for Prius but incorrect for RAV4. Since I have a RAV4 with stolen catalytic converter, I could NOT have installed a CATLOC when buying it in 2021. As of today the Toyota garage does not think that a CATLOC is available to be installed in the UK for RAV4 ! You need to look at facts and reality, not just making soothing answers full of empathy. Your internet sites now has 91 pages of customers telling you that there are issues and you still don’t take specific actions that would deal with the current reality. Toyota US is doing better than you. Open your eyes and raise your game Toyota UK. Deal with issues or loose customers and damage your hybrid brand before media and/or social networks focus on this topic.
Hi Callet,
We advised that CATLOCs are available, depending on the vehicle. It is best to discuss the available protective measures with your Toyota Centre.
We can assure you that we are constantly monitoring the situation and have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84%.
However, we are sorry you feel this way. We suggest contacting out Customer Relations Team.
Many thanks.
what year was your Rav4 made?
My 2022 Toyota rav 4 had its cat stolen in a carpark at ikea Croydon. Devastated wasn’t the word. This car was designed and developed after it was known to be a problem…. Apparently rav 4s are not targeted- Toyota- yes they are! Further more, there is no available cat lock for it… and you can actually see the dam cat converter sticking out from the bottom of the car – what an invitation! Oh yes I forgot. You put the vin number on the cat converter. Here’s some feedback- that makes 0% difference. Do you think a criminal is going to care? Do you think a dodgy scrap dealer is going to care??? No- and you know it. You’re just paying lip service to the problem by coming up with non solutions!
Hi,
We are sorry to hear that you have been affected by this horrible crime.
Unfortunately, this crime is perpetrated by determined, organised criminal gangs with power tools.
Please be assured we are working with the police and various other agencies to put a stop to it.
Once again, we are sorry that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
If you would like to raise your complaint further, please contact our Customer Relations Team here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
My car Toyota Auris 2014. Frist time my Cat stolen December 2021. Then fully replaced by Toyota with C Catloc fitted. Unfortunately stolen today again even with Catloc. Looks easily cut it. Paid 1450 pounds last time. Then this time estimation is 1650 pounds. But party not available all over the UK, as per Toyota Blackburn staff. So it can be take 2-3 months.
Even your Catloc not protected my cat, again you are going to charge higher charge and charge again for Catloc.
Hi Niroshan,
We are sorry to hear that you have been affected by this awful crime twice.
Please be assured we are doing all we can to put a stop to this.
Unfortunately, this crime is perpetrated by determined, organised criminal gangs with power tools.
Once again, we apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.
If you would like to raise your complaint further, please contact our Customer Relations Team here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
Looking to buy LG18WOC. Could you confirm if the catalytic converter that is exposed at risk please?
Hi Wilson, thanks for your interest in the RAV4.
Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft. However, this vehicle is deemed as a low-risk vehicle. We recommend contacting your Toyota Centre to see which protective measures are available for this car.
Thanks.
Hi Guys,
The catalitic converter of my 08 plate Prius was stolen two daysago. My mechanic is working on the replacement. I try to find a steel plate shield to fit in order to deter thiefs, but struggling to find any. Could anyone recommend anything for me please?
Thank you
Hi Jojo,
We are sorry to hear that you have been affected by this horrible crime.
Your nearest Toyota Centre would be best placed to assist you in getting a CATLOC fitted.
Thanks.
My catalytic converter stolen first time in December 2021. Then replaced by Toyota , catloc fitted. Again my cat stolen Dec 2022. Useless Catloc protection. First time 1405 pounds and second time 1650 pounds. Increased all the parts and labour cost. Avoid Toyota .
Hi Dinu, thanks for reaching out to us.
We are extremely sorry to hear about this experience.
Technically, any car fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft, but organised criminal gangs have been targeting some of our older hybrid models due to the higher amount of precious metals within the catalytic converter. These materials were fitted to make the catalytic converter more efficient at removing harmful emissions, making the car cleaner. There was no way we could have envisaged the value of these materials rising so high in the last few years. As our hybrid systems have become more efficient our newer models have up to 84% reduced precious metal content in the catalytic converter, making them less attractive to thieves.
This is a criminal issue, and we working with various agencies, including the Police, to try to put a stop to it.
We would advise contacting our Customer Relations Team to discuss this further. You can find them here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Once again, we are very sorry that you’ve been a victim of this horrible crime and hope that you are back on the road soon.
Many thanks.
You say that older Toyota’s are at highest risk of cat theft but that newer cars are at lower risk as smaller amounts of metals in the cat. After what year does this risk decrease for Toyota Auris?
Hi Isobel, thanks for your question.
We wold recommend contacting your Toyota Centre regarding this.
Many thanks.
Currie Motors Twickenham are CONFUSED as to Whether or Not there is a CatLok for my 2021 Corolla. On 2 Occasions I was able to book CatLok fitting appointments after speaking with PARTS Department on both occasions, but the Dealer called & Cancelled the 2nd Appointment, stating that such an item is NOT Available for my Car!!
Sent message to toyota.co.uk; No Response!!
Most probably they make more profit selling a Catalytic Converter than a Theft Protection Device!!
That’s the bottom line in these Economic Challenging Times!! Each dealership is an individual franchise & need to make Profits!!
Hi Suren,
We are sorry to hear about the inconvenience this has caused.
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can check if your vehicle is able to have a CATLOC fitted.
Thanks.
Please be kind enough to provide an email address so that I can provide my Registration No. as I don’t want to state this personal information on this public forum.
Hi Suren,
Please email toyota.blog@tgb.toyota.co.uk.
Thanks.
What would be the best means of defence? – i know some people who say a plate would offer the best protection for my Pruis bought in January 2015 Can you comment on this please?
Hi David, thanks for your question.
Please provide a Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this.
Thanks.
My cat converter was stolen at 6pm last night. My car was on the drive, CatLoc was fitted. CCTV shows it took them 3minutes!
Hi, thanks for your comment.
We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this crime. We apologise for the inconvenience and distress that this has caused.
We have tried to make sure that as many customers as possible have been informed through publishing police advice about the crime online as soon as it was received, writing to our dealer network to inform customers and writing directly to vehicle owners where details have been available to do so.
Unfortunately, criminals are using high-grade power tools that are difficult for any manufacturer to completely protect against.
We would recommend contacting our Customer Relations Team to discuss this further. You can find them here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Once again, we are very sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this crime and hope that you are back on the roads soon.
Thanks.