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Catalytic converter theft: what you need to know

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 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 particular 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 new 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 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 a 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.

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 2 November 2024, so some of the responses to reader comments below have been superseded by more recent information.

724 comments

  1. I had the misfortune of having my CC stolen from my 2007 RX400h. I visited a garage who replaced it for £150, but only because they they happened to have an after market one lying around. I also bought a 2014 RX450h last year from a Lexus Dealership who informed me when I asked for the catlock to be installed that these vehicles were not susceptible to the theft. I didn’t quite believe it then, and I am less convinced now.

    The thing I will say is that Lexus should be offering at at least 50% new catlocks to show they want to assist customers, considering I have now been quoted £400 for parts and labour to fit one.

    Reply

    1. Hello Ishfaq,
      Thank you for contacting us. We’re sorry to hear that you have been affected by this awful crime.
      Any vehicle containing a catalytic converter is in theory at risk of theft due to the precious metals these contain.
      CatLocs are available for both of these vehicles, and they can be ordered through your nearest Lexus Centre. These are produced at zero profit to Lexus UK.
      Smartwater marking is also available, and this can be carried out free of charge at your Lexus Centre.
      If you would like to make a formal complaint, you can do so with our Customer Relations team here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/concierge-tool/contact-us/.
      Once again, we’re so sorry to hear that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves. We hope you’re back on the road soon.
      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hello KAM UPPAL,
      Thank you for contacting us.
      Please can you provide us with your registration? We can then look into this for you.
      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hello Bhavin,
      Thank you for contacting us.
      There is no official Lexus CatLoc available for the IS300h.
      However, Smartwater marking is available for all vehicles. This involves tagging catalytic converters 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. This can be carried out for free at your nearest Lexus Centre.
      Thanks.

      Reply

  4. my catalytic converter got stolen, however my horn doesn’t work now and i had to order all the parts myself costing me almost 560 with fitting. i have been told by my garage yesterday that i was missing the O2 sensor which i have to order.
    My questiion is, that is the O2 sensor linked to the horn or not?

    Reply

    1. Hello Maria,
      Thank you for contacting us. We’re so sorry to hear that your vehicle has been targeted by these brazen thieves.
      Could you please provide us with your reg? We can then try and look into this for you.
      Thanks.

      Reply

  5. your article says

    ‘ In the main it remains older cars that are targeted’

    How old is ‘older’? – what is the cutoff date for when the ‘ latest generations of Lexus catalytic converters contain vastly lower amounts of precious metals’ came in ? – I really think your article needed to contain this info

    I have a 2009 RX450h – is this an ‘older’ car that is a target?

    If I change my car to a newer RX450h model when did the latest generation of cats come in that have ‘vastly lower amounts of precious metals’ ?

    Regards
    Paul

    Reply

    1. Hello Paul, thank you for your comment.

      The main target group for the Lexus RX is those produced between 2005 and 2009 and we provide Catloc protection devices for those models.
      All vehicles can also be forensically marked with SmartWater which can be done free of charge at your local Lexus Centre.

      Thanks

      Reply

        1. Hello Paul, thanks for your comment.

          The Catloc should cost in the region of £250, but you local Lexus Centre will be able to confirm this.

          Thanks

          Reply

    1. Hi,

      Technically, any vehicle fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft. Saying that, criminals tend to target older hybrid models. Non-hybrid models aren’t considered to be high risk, but there’s no guarantee that they won’t be targeted.

      Thanks

      Reply

  7. My husband has a Lexus RX 450 hybrid 2006 . How can he ensure that his catalytic converter does not get stolen

    Reply

    1. Hi Lorna,

      Thanks for getting in touch. Technically, any vehicle fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft. It is impossible to stop organised criminal gangs who physically threaten vehicle owners and use power tools to take the catalytic converter. As an automotive manufacturer we are limited in terms of what we can do to stop crime, but we have developed a Catloc, which can act as a deterrent to thieves. We are also working with the Police to distribute Smartwater marking kits to our centres. Please contact your nearest centre for more information on the steps you can take.

      Thanks

      Reply

  8. Hi all these comments on Cat Converter theft are really worrying me a lot now. I have just bought 2017 CT200h. Do you have a Catlock for this model? If so, How can I get that done and how much will it cost me?

    Reply

  9. Hi
    I’ve just bought rx450h 2012 premier and I’m wondering do I need to put any sort of protection for my CC . I spoke one of my local garages and they informed me that for this generation you don’t need to put any protection is that right please advise me

    Thanks.

    Reply

    1. Hi,

      There is a Catloc available for your vehicle. We recommend contacting your nearest Lexus centre to get one ordered and fitted.

      Thanks

      Reply

    1. Hello Preston,
      Thank you for contacting us.
      The Lexus CT200h is considered to be a high risk vehicle.
      A CatLoc is available from your nearest Lexus Centre. Other theft deterrent devices are also available, such as a tilt sensor and bolt caps.
      You can also take advantage of our Smartwater marking scheme, which involves tagging catalytic converters with an invisible yet traceable marking. Your nearest Lexus Centre will be able to provide further information.
      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. Hi so I have get in touched with a few Lexus centres and they quoted me a different price which I thought there will be no profit involved in the process? It costs
        £239 in London Sidcup while in Plymouth quoted me £281.
        They told me there is a labour fee difference but how is London even cheaper?

        Reply

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