Catalytic converter theft from cars isn’t a new crime, but it has increased significantly in recent times.
Police forces around the UK, including those in West Yorkshire, London and Nottinghamshire, are advising owners of any car fitted with a catalytic converter to take precautions.
Any car fitted with a catalytic converter within the exhaust system could be at risk. In the case of Lexus, we are aware that the second-generation Lexus RX 400h models (2005-2008) and the Lexus CT 200h have been a target for thieves.
Below we’ve gathered the best advice for Lexus 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 cars sold in Europe since 1993 have had to be fitted with catalytic converter by law.
Why are they a target for thieves?
The police are best placed to offer advice on the motivation behind crimes. But we understand that the recycling value of catalytic converters is the primary attraction to thieves because it contains precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium.
What is Lexus doing to stop its cars being targeted?
In May 2021, Lexus (GB) announced that it would be covertly marking more than 100,000 catalytic converters in order to combat theft. By working with police and Smartwater, catalytic converters can be tagged with an invisible yet traceable marking, meaning 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.
It is free to get the catalytic converter marked, all customers need to do is call their local Toyota or Lexus retailer to arrange a visit.
In addition to this, Lexus has issued 20,000 Smartwater kits to police to support their local anti-catalyst theft initiatives. The company is also working with the AA, Toyota’s roadside partner, so its patrols can point customers to where they can get a free kit.
We have also developed and reduced the price of a ‘Catloc’ device which can deter theft and make it more difficult. Lexus teams in the UK and other countries are urgently exploring new technical possibilities to deter criminals as well.
We are working with the police, as well as talking to government about changes in the law around scrap metal sales that would make it harder for criminals to sell stolen catalysts for cash.
However, these are criminal operations and our scope is therefore limited. A number of police forces are taking action and some forces, such as Nottinghamshire, are also starting awareness campaigns. It is vitally important for anyone who is a victim of this crime to report it to their local police force as quickly as possible.
In the main, it remains older cars that are targeted because advances in efficiency and technology mean the latest generations of Lexus catalytic converters contain vastly lower amounts of precious metals, whilst 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.
We’re doing all we can. We’ve shared police guidance with customers, and are seeking technical solutions, although for obvious reasons we would like to refrain from talking about specifics.
We are also working with the police, as well as talking to government about changes in the law around scrap metal sales that would make it harder for criminals to sell stolen catalysts for cash.
However, these are criminal operations and our scope is therefore limited. A number of police forces are taking action and some forces, such as Nottinghamshire, are also starting awareness campaigns. It is vitally important for anyone who is a victim of this crime to report it to their local police force as quickly as possible.
In the main it remains older cars that are targeted because advances in efficiency and technology mean the latest generations of Lexus catalytic converters contain vastly lower amounts of precious metals, whilst 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.
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
Our priority is to do all we can to support Lexus customers who have been the victims of catalytic converter theft.
We have reduced the prices of catalytic converters to a level where Lexus UK does not make any profit from their supply to customers.
Your nearest Lexus centre can advise on exact costs after inspecting your vehicle.
How long will I have to wait for replacement parts?
The rapid rise in this crime is one we could not have envisaged set against many years of low incidence of thefts. It has impacted our ability to source a sufficient quantity of replacement parts, for which we sincerely apologise.
However, we are taking urgent action with our suppliers to secure increased supplies, which we hope will allow us to effectively tackle the supply issue and repair customers’ cars more quickly.
Who can I contact if I’m worried about my Lexus?
If you are worried about potential catalytic converter theft from your Lexus, we recommend you use our locator tool to find your nearest Lexus centre and contact them to discuss the best way to protect your car.
This article was last updated on 14 May 2021, so some of the responses to reader comments below have been superseded by more recent information.
Hello
I recently got an IS-300h (registered november 2018); would you be so kind to advice whether this is a high risk vehicle for cat theft?
Thanks
alex
Hello Alex, thanks for your message.
Please provide a Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this.
Thanks.
YB68EWM please thanks. Also, I have called the dealership and they told me they only offer catlock for the CT model?
Hello Alex,
Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft. However, this vehicle is deemed medium-risk.
A CATLOC is not available for this vehicle, however an ISR Marking Kit, Tilt Sensor and Bolt are all available as theft deterrent devices. We would recommend contacting your Lexus Centre to discuss this further.
Thanks.
Hi. I have had an NX450 on order since May and patiently waiting for it in June (allegedly) and my friend who has a RAV4 with similar downstream secondary cat. This secondary cat was sawn off recently and wondered if Lexus are going to offer some form of shield. My friend was assured by the Toyota salesman that the thieves wouldn’t steal this secondary cat.
Smart water isn’t enough.
I am seriously thinking of cancelling as it seems to me that you are not providing a decent solution.
I am not too keen on buying an aftermarket shield.
Hello Ian, thanks for your comment.
We understand your concern.
Please may you provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can see which protective measures are available for your vehicle.
Thanks.
Hi. You haven’t read my email. It hasn’t been delivered yet. I meant June 2023 which is in 4 month’s time. Therefore I don’t have a registration.
I am having second thoughts about buying a Lexus because Lexus are not being helpful in resolving how to protect the secondary cat.
Please do not deny it is not at risk because thieves are now taking secondary cats. I have the photos.
I hope you can provide me with an assuring answer and not sterile chat bot company spiel.
Yours sincerely
Ian Chell
Hello Ian, thanks for your comment.
Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft. However, as our hybrid systems have become more efficient our newer models have much reduced precious metal content in the catalytic converter, making them less attractive to thieves.
Our Technical Team have advised that the Catalytic Converter in this vehicle is attached to the exhaust manifold.
Thanks.
Dear Lexus,
The problem is – thieves are still sawing off the secondary cats as they don’t know this fact. It happened to my friend two weeks ago.
It seems I have to solve this myself rather than Lexus helping by looking into how the NXsecondary cat be protected with a stainless plate.
Regards
Ian
My 2009 RX400h cat was stolen in January (See previous page). I also have a 2016 RX450h. From previous posts, it seems that even these later vehicles (yes….with up to 84% less precious metals) are being targeted. Remember….criminals are not always smart enough to know.
However……I now hear of more thefts of new RX450h. A module that can be swapped over, without breaking into the car, that allows the theft to simply unlock and drive away. I am not talking about wireless transponder hacking, but a new method. Any comments on this?
Hello Bryan, thanks for your comment.
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. 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.
In regards to your second question, modern vehicles invariably come with a high level of built-in security but as with any model in our range, we would always recommend extra measures to protect your car from theft. Here are our top recommendations for improving car security to reduce the risk of becoming a victim to crime: https://fal.cn/3wm1C.
if you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Customer Relations Team here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
Once again, we are sorry to hear that you’ve been a victim of Catalytic Converter theft and apologise for the distress that this may have caused.
Thanks.
Hi Lexus,
I have just bought a ct200h 2017 premium model. Is there a cat lock for this model ?
Hello,
Thanks for your question.
A CATLOC should be available for your CT.
Please contact your Lexus Centre for further assistance in getting this fitted.
Thanks.
Hi,
Please could you tell me how effective a catloc would be at deterring the theft of the cat on a 2015 CT200h? A friend of mine has had his stolen twice and he lives nearby, so clearly they’re operating in my area. He is now selling his car as he can’t risk it happening a third time. A local lady has had hers stolen 4 times – the last time in the supermarket car park! My friend’s view, supported by the guy that picked his car up and who sees this A LOT, is that a catloc adds about a minute to the theft, meaning that a thief would be under the car for about 120 seconds instead of the more usual 60. Do you have evidence to suggest this is either correct or incorrect?
Many thanks,
Hello David, thanks for your question.
Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft. However, 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 would recommend the use of a CATLOC as a protective measure for this vehicle. Please contact your Lexus Centre for more information on the protective measures available for this car and to discuss this further.
Our Technical Team have advised that we have no evidence regarding your question.
Thanks.
You are quite correct. Catalyst thieves are brazen and often operate as a gang of 3. One that gets under the car/jacks car up, a lookout and a driver. A catloc adds around 60 seconds to the time taken to steal a catalyst. For the additional cost of a catloc, is it worth buying an extra minute? Will Police arrive in time now? Is a passer by going to now challenge the thieves? Are the these going to give up, and move onto an easier target? Realistically, the answer is ‘no’. A complete, custom made stainless steel aftermarket exhaust system, including a low value catalyst, can cost around £600 for an RX400h. My view is either get the original secondary catalyst removed and the vehicle ‘straight piped’ through (so you have the catalyst) or scrap the exhaust and buy after market. If there is not cat to steal, you have no risk of crime, and the vehicle will operate perfectly well without it as primary cats are still fitted up towards the manifold that are inaccessible to the opportunistic thief.
All is irrelevant… tagging won’t stop theft . The idea should be to stop the cat being so easy to steal on Lexus cars