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.
Hello, I have just bought a Rav4 from 2018 registration number BF68 XEE. Is it at risk? Thank you
Hi Ilu, thanks for getting in touch.
This vehicle has been labelled as ‘low risk’ according to our risk matrix.
Should you wish to protect your vehicle, the following measures should be available: an ISR Marking Kit, and Bolt.
Please contact your local Toyota Centre to discuss further here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-a-dealer
Thanks.
Hi, Could you please check if my car re number PJ20MMK is at risk?
Also installing Toyota CATLock and marking the CC is it preventative or act to slow down the process of theft?
Last question, have you experienced a case where the CC is stolen after Toyota CATLock was installed.
Hi Mustafa, thanks for getting in touch.
This vehicle has been labelled as ‘medium risk’ according to our risk matrix.
Should you wish to protect your vehicle, the following measures should be available: a CATLOC, ISR Marking Kit, Tilt Sensor and Bolt.
Please contact your local Toyota Centre to discuss further here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-a-dealer
Thanks.
Hi Toyota, I have just ordered a new Toyota 2024 c-hr will all these options be available on delivery latter next year or have some ie marking been done at the factory as it’s manufacturing process & what risk level will this vehicle be ?
Thanks.
Hi Neil,
Thank you very much for your order!
Unfortunately, we do not have any further information to share on the risk level of the all-new C-HR.
Although it is important to consider that over time, we have taken action over time to reduce the precious metal content of the catalytic converters of our newer hybrids by up to 84%.
This means that newer vehicles are generally of much lower risk.
We hope this helps.
Thank you.
What about the Toyota Yaris T4 hybrid 2012 car?
Hi Simi,
The Yaris is a low risk vehicle.
Thanks.
What is the category of Catalytic converter theft for my Prius Plug-in OW23PKC? What can I do to protect it from theft?
Hi Martin,
This vehicle registration is showing as a Citroen?
Please confirm the correct vehicle registration so that we can assist you further.
Thanks.
Sorry, that should be OW72PKC
Hi Martin,
Our system shows this as being a medium risk vehicle.
A CATLOC is available for your Prius Plug-in, please contact your nearest Toyota Centre if you would like to have this fitted.
Thanks.
Hi i am looking to buy
Toyota Yaris
1.5 Hybrid Y20 5dr CVT [Bi-tone] 2020 (69 reg)
Or this model:
Prius 1.8 VVT-h Business Edition Plus Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid CVT Euro 6 (s/s) (15in Alloy) (122 ps)
2017 (66 reg)
What is their risk of CC theft? Thanks
Hi Dulani,
Thanks for your comment.
Please can you provide the full registration of both vehicles so that we can check this for you.
Thanks.
Can you please check YT20FGA
Hi Godfrey,
Thanks for your question.
Our system shows this Prius Plus as a medium risk vehicle.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks.
Please kindly help me check the risk of EJ16HFF, pls?
Good afternoon, apologies for the delay in coming back to you.
If you are concerned about potential catalytic converter theft from your Toyota, we recommend clicking here to find your nearest Toyota Centre and contact them to discuss the best way to protect your car. https://brnw.ch/21wHtE7
Thank you.
Hi, could you please check my car LR69YCL? Thank you.
Hi Patrick, thanks for getting in touch.
We would recommend getting in touch with your local Toyota Centre as a Catloc may be available for your vehicle. They can also apply the free of charge Smartwater marking.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Could you please advise on cat marking and Catloc for GU71TZC.
Many thanks.
Hi Alan,
Our system shows that your RAV4 Plug-in is a low risk vehicle and a CATLOC is not available.
SmartWater Marking is available free of charge from any Toyota Centre, so please contact them if you would like to have this applied.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks.
Hi, can you please check my car too? Reg is Lj17 ***. Window was broken but nothing was taken as luckily someone was walking by. I wanted to know what precautions i can take, is catlock available?
Hi Hamida, thanks for getting in touch.
Your registration number was not recognised in our system, please may you check this.
Thanks,
Toyota UK