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.
Hi, can you please check NJ21 UDV.
Thank you
Hi there,
Thanks for your question.
Our system shows that this Corolla is a low risk vehicle for catalytic converter theft.
However, a CATLOC is available if you would like an extra layer of protection.
Please contact your nearest Toyota Centre if you would like to have this fitted.
You can find your nearest Toyota Centre here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-a-dealer.
Thanks.
Hello. Recently I’ve recently taken ownership of Toyota Yaris X FN23 XYA. Can you check this for me please
Hi,
This vehicle is not one that has been affected by the Catalytic converter theft.
Kind regards
Hi can you tell me the approximate cost to have the cat on a 3rd gen Prius security marked and a catloc fitted?
Hi John
You will have to refer to your local Toyota Centre for this information.
Kind regards
Hi,
Can you tell me if a Toyota Auris TR 1.4 Diesel is high risk please ? The reg number is LL59***
What security options are available and what would be the costs involved ?
Hi Gaz,thanks for getting in touch.
The vehicle details you provided is not considered high risk.
It would be worth speaking to your local Toyota Centre to discuss further options on security.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Can you check for me if i do need protection against catalytic convertor theft?
Hi Adel,thanks for getting in touch.
Please could you provide your registration so we may follow up.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
hi is this car at risk thanks FN16 ***
Hi Matt, thanks for your comment.
We can confirm that your Auris is at risk of catalytic converter theft and your local Toyota Centre is best placed to advise on precautionary measures.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Please check AF*****
Hi John,thank you for getting in touch.
Our system shows that this Corolla is a low risk vehicle for catalytic converter theft.
However, a CATLOC is available if you would like an extra layer of protection along with Smartwater marking.
Please contact your nearest Toyota Centre if you would like to have this fitted.
You can find your nearest Toyota Centre here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-a-dealer.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hello. Recently I’ve recently taken ownership of Toyota Corolla Estate (VO*****). Can you check this for me please
Hi Alex,thank you for getting touch.
Our system shows that this Corolla Touring Sport is a low risk vehicle for catalytic converter theft.
However, a CATLOC is available if you would like an extra layer of protection along with Smartwater marking.
Please contact your nearest Toyota Centre if you would like to have this fitted.
You can find your nearest Toyota Centre here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-a-dealer.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi…we recently purchased toyota corolla 2021 model reg number *******. Could you please confirm if it has any records of catalyst converter theft or catloc fitted.
Thanks
Abhi
Hi Abhi,thank you for getting in touch.
Using the registration you provided we have no records on our systems relating to either points.
Our system shows that this Corolla Hatchback is a low risk vehicle for catalytic converter theft.
However, a CATLOC is available if you would like an extra layer of protection along with Smartwater marking.
Please contact your nearest Toyota Centre if you would like to have this fitted.
You can find your nearest Toyota Centre here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-a-dealer.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hello
I would be very grateful if you could kindly check my car FE71 *** purchased recently, a 2021 Corolla. I am interested in the risk of CC theft, any registered cat lock and the recommended measures that could be taken to prevent theft.
Thank you
Hi Jasmine, thanks for getting in touch.
Your Corolla is deemed as low risk for catalytic converter theft. There is no Catloc available but it can be marked with SmartWater protection. Your local Toyota Centre can carry this out free of charge.
Thanks,
Toyota UK