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Catalytic converter theft: how to protect your car

By TOYOTA UK

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.

2,452 comments

  1. Reading these comments it seems that unlike me no one has had the catalytic converter stolen from their Yaris! An old car 2001, and I cannot afford a newer car now I’m retired and in the current economic crisis. There is absolutely no lock I can find that would help make this more difficult in the future for one to be stolen. Already compromised by ill health it has made my life so much more difficult, stressful and expensive in order to get food delivered etc etc. I’m very disappointed with Toyota not to have something to prevent another theft and to give a little peace of mind.

    Reply

    1. Hi Perran, thanks for getting in touch.

      We’re really sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this crime.

      Please be aware that we are constantly monitoring this situation and are doing all we can to support our customers that have been impacted by this crime.

      We have taken action over time to reduce the precious metal content of the catalytic converters of our newer hybrids by up to 84%. However, this crime is being perpetrated by organised criminal gangs using power tools.

      To discuss protective measures available for your vehicle, we would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre.

      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.

      Once again, we are very sorry that you’ve been a victim of this crime.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  2. I am also one of the victims of crime as my hybrid Toyota car (2014 model) catalytic convertor was stolen while I was parked in the secure NHS car park (Grafton Street Multi-Storey Car Park) in Manchester. This affected my mental health and added a lot of stress to me as my car was a very healthy car and suddenly ruined my thieves while I parked my car in the secured car park that has even CCTV. sadly, police and security teams have no support after the incident happened and it s really difficult for me to replace my car’s catalytic converter. I need help and advice from Toyota kindly.

    Reply

    1. Hi Gelila, thanks for reaching out to us.

      We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been a victim of this crime.

      Please be aware we are constantly monitoring this situation and are doing all we can to support our customers that have been impacted by this horrible crime.

      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.

      We have also developed and are supplying theft deterrent devices at zero profit to Toyota UK such as CatLocs, tilt alarms, bolt caps and component etching to protect consumers from further attacks.

      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 a victim of this crime and hope that you are back on the road soon.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  3. I have a 68 plate c-hr 1.8 icon, should I fit a catloc to protect it or is this a low risk model

    Reply

    1. Hi John,
      The C-HR is classed as a low risk vehicle.
      However, a CATLOC is available for your vehicle if you wish for this to be fitted.
      Thanks.

      Reply

  4. Hi,

    I have a 2021 Corolla 2.0 GR Touring – is there a Cat Lock for this vehicle please ?

    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Robert, thanks for your question.

      Please provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  5. I have just ordered a new Toyota Corolla SOL 1.8 hybrid car. Should I get Catlock device for it?

    Reply

    1. Hi Johnny, thanks for your question.

      Please provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  6. Hi, I am going to buy a Yaris Hatchback – 2017 1.5 Hybrid Icon Tech 5dr CVT. Is the catalytic converter of this model easily to be stolen? Also, will the daytime running lamps switch on automatically while I turn on the car? Thank you.

    Reply

  7. I have a toyota pruis 2012 gen 3 and I live In a flat one day I was chilling I saw a 3 big guys with tools doing stuff with my car so I ran so fast to get my car key and go downstairs be cool then I told them are taking the catalytic converter they said yes I was shocked so I secretly press the panic button to scar them

    Reply

    1. Hi Elvis, thanks for your comment.

      Please provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  9. Hi, I’ve just taken delivery of my brand new 23 Corolla gr sport the dealership doesn’t know if a catloc is available for this model and haven’t been a great help. Also is cat marking free at the dealership? If it is why don’t they offer it to customers?

    Reply

    1. Hi Katherine,
      Firstly, please provide your vehicle registration so we can check with our Technical Team if a CATLOC is available.
      Secondly, SmartWater Marking is available free of charge, we would recommend discussing this with your Toyota Centre.
      Thanks.

      Reply

  10. Hi, I have a 2016 auris hybrid and the converter was stolen on Monday this week (5th). The garage is saying they have “no idea” when the parts will be available. Can you help?

    Reply

      1. Hi. I had my catalytic converter stolen from my 2020 Prius at the Pear Tree Park and ride in Oxford last week. It will cost me around £700 in insurance excess and car hire as I was going on holiday the next day.
        A familiar story I suppose.
        Reading all these comments leads to ask why Toyota don’t fit anti theft devices as a standard to all their new cars. It would be welcomed by consumers and do your PR a lot of good. Knowing that these thefts are so prevalent I am amazed that you haven’t taken action before to help your customers

      2. Hi Tony, thanks for reaching out to us.

        We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been a victim of this crime.

        This crime is being perpetrated by organised criminal gangs using power tools, and we are working with the police and various other agencies to put a stop to it.

        We have developed theft prevention devices for our customers and these are available from Toyota centres. We would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre to see which protective measures are available for your vehicle.

        Once again, we are very sorry that you’ve been affected by this crime and hope that you are back on the road soon.

        If you woukd like to discuss this 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.

      4. Hi Andy,
        Our system shows that your Corolla is a low risk vehicle.
        However, a CATLOC is available if you would like one.
        Please let us know if you would like us to request that your Toyota Centre give you a call to get a fitting booked in.
        Thanks.

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