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Catalytic converter theft: how to protect your car

By LEXUS 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.

2,460 comments

  1. I have a 2021 RAV4 HEV – reg DF70 ***. I just had the CAN bus armoured plates installed after an aborted theft attempt using the CAN bus vulnerability approach (for the info of others with the same vulnerability, labour-only charge at local dealer (£70/hour – took one hour at my dealer). What is the risk for my car of catalytic converter theft (i.e. high enough for a Catloc?)?

    Please obscure the reg on publicly posting this query.

    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Allon, thanks for your comment.

      Your RAV4 is deemed as a low risk for catlytic converter theft so there is no Catloc available. We do however, offer free of charge SmartWater marking for all of our Hybrid vehicles. Your local Toyota Centre can provide further information on this.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

      Reply

      1. Hi, could you please let me know if Corolla hybrid 2020 is at risk of cat converter theft?

        Thanks

        Kailesh

      2. Hi Kailesh, thanks for getting in touch.

        We will need the full registration number to confirm.

        Thanks,

        Toyota UK

    1. Hello Giulia,
      We can confirm that this Auris is a high risk vehicle.
      We would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre to confirm what protection measures are available to you.
      Thanks.

      Reply

  3. Hi, can you check if my Toyota reg: YR69 LWA, has a risk of a catalytic converter and what I can do to prevent theft. Thanks.

    Reply

    1. Hello Tahir,
      Thanks for your question.
      Your Camry is a low risk vehicle to catalytic converter theft.
      We hope this helps.
      Thanks.

      Reply

  4. Hi, would you be able to check the following vehicle FE11*** and let me know of the risk of theft? Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Hi Kris, thanks for getting in touch.

      Your vehicle is at risk of catalytic converter theft and a Catloc is available. Your local Toyota Centre will be able to provide further information on this and also provide free of charge SmartWater marking.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

      Reply

  5. Hi, is my Toyota corolla icon hybrid reg BF70*** at risk for catalytic converter theft? if so is a catloc available for this?

    Reply

    1. Hey Vish,
      Thanks for your comment.
      We will need your full vehicle registration to check this, but we will censor this before publishing your comment.
      Thank you.

      Reply

    1. Hi Tim, thanks for your comment.

      Your Toyota C-HR is not deemed as at risk of Catalytic Converter theft.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

      Reply

  7. Hi my toyata Chr 2021 fully hybrid. just recently bought it can you please advise me? How do I protect my Catholic converter? If you have any link, please send it to me. Thank you very much.

    Reply

    1. Hi there, thanks for getting in touch.

      We will need your full registration number to check this.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

      Reply

    1. Hi Len, thanks for your comment.

      The Yaris Cross is not deemed as at risk of catalytic converter theft. We hope you enjoy your new purchase.

      Toyota UK

      Reply

    1. Hi there, thanks for getting in touch.

      This vehicle is deemed as low risk for catlytic converter theft. Although we do offer free of charge SmartWater marking for all of our Hybrid vehicles, your local Toyota Centre can carry this out for you on your next visit.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

      Reply

    1. Hi there, thanks for getting in touch.

      We can confirm that this model is on the risk list for catalytic converter theft and a Catloc is available. Your local Toyota Centre can provide further information on this and also provide free of charge smartwater marking.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

      Reply

      1. Hi we bough a 2021 1.8 corolla icon tech hybrid. Is this at risk for cat converter theft?

        Registration number LB21***

      2. Hi Erika, thanks for getting in touch.

        Your Corolla is deemed as at risk of catalytic converter theft, although is on the lower end of the risk matrix. We’d recommend getting in touch with your Toyota Centre to see if a Catloc is available.

        Thanks,

        Toyota UK

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