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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. I have just purchased a Corolla hybrid (OV20 FGF). Is it at risk of a Catalytic Converter theft? Is there a Cat Lock available for this car? Is it worth fitting it, if it only slows down the thieves?

    Reply

    1. Hi Steve, thanks for your question.

      Congratulations on your Corolla!

      Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft. However, this vehicle is deemed low risk. A CATLOC is available for this vehicle. If you would like this fitted, please contact your Toyota Centre. They will be happy to discuss the benefits of fitting protective measures.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  2. Hi, I’m looking to purchase a Toyota Yaris Hybrid Icon CVT model and wondered too if this vehicle is prone for car theft/striping or theft of catalytic converter.

    Reply

    1. Hi Amina, thanks for your question.

      Do you have a Vehicle Registration that you could provide please?

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Lawrence, thanks for your question.

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

      Thanks.

      Reply

      2. Hi Lawrence,

        Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is deemed at risk of theft. However, this vehicle is deemed to be at medium-risk. There is a CATLOC available for this vehicle, as well as other protective measures. We would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre to discuss this further and get any protective measures fitted.

        Thanks.

    1. Hi, thanks for your question.

      Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft. However, this vehicle is deemed as medium-risk. A CATLOC, ISR Marking Kit, Tilt Sensor and Bolt are available for this vehicle. Please contact your Toyota Centre to discuss the fitment of protective measures for your Prius Plus.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Mohib, thanks for your question.

      Please may you provide a vehicle registration to help you with this query.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  6. Hello Sirs

    Is there any way to check my Registration please.
    CGZ4858

    Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Many Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Abdul, thanks for your query.

      Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft. However, this vehicle has been deemed as High Risk.

      A CATLOC, ISR Marking Kit, Tilt Sensor or Bolt can be purchased for this vehicle. We recommend contacting your nearest Toyota Centre to discuss this further.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  7. Hi, do i need to protect my catalytic converter on my Corolla(MC23OPG) and how much it will cost. Thnx

    Reply

    1. Hi Qamar, thanks for your query.

      Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft. However, this vehicle has been deemed as Low Risk.

      Should you like to, a CATLOC, ISR Marking Kit or Bolt can be purchased for this vehicle. We recommend contacting your nearest Toyota Centre to discuss this further.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  8. Hi I purchased a toyota yaris cross in May 2023. Reg LB23 KND. Do i need to protect my catalytic converter or does it have theft preventive measures – like tilt sensors etc…

    Reply

    1. Hi Sanj, thanks for your query.

      We recommend contacting your nearest Toyota centre to discuss the best way to protect your car.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  9. Hi,
    Thinking of buying a 2019 Corolla plate FB19KJK, can you please tell me if it is at an increased risk of cat theft?
    Thank you.
    D

    Reply

    1. Hi Demet,
      According to our system, this Corolla is a low risk vehicle for catalytic converter theft.
      Thanks.

      Reply

  10. Hia,

    Looking at buying a 2016 Prius think it’s 4th Gen reg WR16 XCH,
    is this high, medium, or low risk for cat theft, please?

    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Demet,
      Thanks for your question.
      According to our system, this vehicle is classed as high risk for catalytic converter theft.
      Please let us know if you have any further questions.
      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. Thanks for your reply,

        Can you please answer so I understand, why is the Corolla hybrid “low risk” and the 4th gen Prius hybrid “high risk” when they both have the catalytic converter in the exact same position exposed under the car, with the same amount of reduced(84%)precious metals as one another???
        Also, I’ve done a deep dive into the whole of this subject and the recommended CatLoc is exactly the same construction and shape for both models.

        According to your intro up top of this thread 2nd and 3rd gen are at the highest risk no mention of 4th gen Prius? Where are you getting your info on risks from?

        Thanks

      2. Hi Demet, thanks for your comment.

        Our technical team have advised us that the reasoning for the varied levels of risk for these vehicles is dependent on the positioning of the catalytic converter. Whilst both are located underneath the vehicle, for this Corolla, the CAT is placed under the exhaust manifold therefore making it extremely difficult to get to. For the Prius, the CAT is placed further down the exhaust with increased accessibility. This accessibility partly determines the risk level in combination with various other factors such as the percentage of precious metals.

        Hope this helps.

        Thanks.

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