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.
The cat on my CT200h was stolen from a hotel car park with floodlighting and CCTV in December. The local garage has said that replacement parts are unavailable. We have been left without a car. Can Lexus advise how to get the required parts (cat and sensor)?
Hello Jonathan,
We are really sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
We would recommend contacting your Lexus Centre to see what options are available for you CT200h.
Please let us know if you have any further questions, we hope you are back on the road soon.
Thanks.
Hi – Not sure if this question has been asked before: I have an NX 300 model (non hybrid). Is there a CAT lock available for this model? Thx.
Hello Mark,
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
We have an RX450h and Cat theft is rife in Bournemouth at the moment, how much would a Catloc cost please, including fitting? Registration is DK04DEB.
Hello Tim,
Thank you for contacting Lexus.
We would recommend contacting your Lexus Centre for further assistance with this.
Thanks.
Hi my one has been stolen this morning in broad daylight whilst walkers passed by watching them. I have the cctv footage but just wanted to know if that helped anyone in the past to actually catch the thieves?
Hello Shaz,
Thanks for your comment.
We are really sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
We would recommend contacting the local police for further assistance.
Thanks.
I have a 2017 lexus is 300h . Wonder if i need to be worried about its cat and if so! How can i get it secured?
Can you please assist?
Hi Ibz,
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Dear Sir/madam,
I had my catalytic converter stolen from a car park last week on my CT200H. I am really surprised by Lexus that cars have not been upgraded with locks for free considering it takes three minutes to steal it. I own two new Lexus’, one for myself and one for my wife and I am now seriously considering if I want to continue being a customer at all. I am that disappointed in the brand as this seems to be a well documented problem. I would have expected to have at least been provided the option to install the locks at my last service in February. My insurance has now classed this as MY fault because no third party can be traced to make a claim against. In my mind Lexus are responsible for inadequate design/upgrade and protecting my car. I look forward to your response. Regards, James
Hello James,
We are sorry to hear that you have been affected by this crime.
All catalytic converters contain precious metals that can be attractive to thieves, regardless of manufacturer or age.
Even with a CATLOC fitted, there is little that can be done to stop determined and brazen organised criminals using power tools to take what they want.
Ultimately, this is a criminal issue and we’ve been working with and supporting the Police, both publicly and behind the scenes to help put a stop to this awful crime.
Furthermore, our CATLOC is provided to customers at zero profit to Lexus UK.
Thanks.
I had my catalytic converter stolen from my lexus rx400h early hours Tuesday morning between 2am and 4am which is the times my security light came on they ring doorbell didn’t pick them up dont know how they managed that.
My car is vital for me as I have 2 young children and my 90 year old mum who has many health issues and my husband who has had a stroke, living at my home so to have this done to my car is devastating as I need it incase if emergencies. I am now without a car that I desperately need.
With such a high class car lexus/Toyota should be doing more to notify and help lexus owners.
Hello Wendy,
We are extremely sorry to hear that you have been affected by this horrible crime.
We have tried to make sure that as many customers as possible have been informed through publishing police advice about the crime online as soon as it was received.
Furthermore, we have written to our dealer network to inform customers and writing directly to vehicle owners where details have been available to do so.
Ultimately, this is a criminal issue, and we working with various agencies, including the Police, to try to put a stop to it.
Once again, we are very sorry that this has happened to you and hope you are back on the road soon.
Thanks.
Binu: My lexus ct 200’s catylic convertor was stolen on parking on Basingstoke Train station car park . I had contacted and registered police , now it has been told by lexus and my insurance provider nothing can be done as of now.
Please advise.
Hi Binu,
We are very sorry to hear that your vehicle has been targeted by criminals. We recommend ordering a replacement catalytic converter for your vehicle. Your nearest Lexus centre will also be able to talk you through theft deterrent devices.
Thanks
I had my catalytic converter stolen from my Lexus CT200h on Tuesday 3 / May around midnight. The car alarm did go off twice . Unfortunately I couldn’t hear it as my flat is on the other side . But a member of public did hear and saw three men were there lifting the car and thought they were stealing the car tyres. I was in shock because I had never heard of this crime before. I agree completely with some comments that Lexus garages should have advised theirs customers of this risk when we take our cars to be serviced as this crime has been going on for a number of years and is still happening now . Anyway, I reported the incident to the police on line . 24 hours later, I had a reply from the police with a crime reference and I was informed that “ there are no enquiries we can make and this investigation has been closed “. No wonder that such incident can not be prevented ! Luckily, my insurer was very supportive, as well as local Lexus garage , who will get my car repaired this coming week. I am also thinking of fitting the cat lock. Please advise whether this will make the car noisier than before ?
Hi,
We are very sorry to hear that your vehicle has been targeted by criminals. We hope you are back on the road soon. A Catloc will not impact the driving experience of your vehicle, but it may deter thieves from targeting your vehicle in the future.
Thanks
i am extremely disappointed with Lexus, knowing this crimes happening Lexus owner, Catalytic converter got stolen from front of my driveway
Lexus has duty of care to their customers protection against this type of crime, not tell us work with police – we know this
you are happy to charge customers for a Anti Theft plate over £150 this should be provided free of charge it not our fault that it so easy to remove – it coat me over £1000 to replace – i will NEVER buy Lexus again – i am planning to sell this car , as i do not they might take Catalytic converter – I am so angry with Lexus -stop giving advice and do some
this cars should be recalled and fitted with protection Gard for FREE
ALL LEXUES OWNERS PLEASE SUPPORT ME WITH –
Hello Kamal,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re really sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this crime.
As catalytic converters contain precious metals, any car containing one is in theory at risk of theft.
Over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84% and currently produce CatLocs for vehicles considered most at risk, but criminals are using high-grade power tools that are difficult for any manufacturer to completely protect against.
Once again, we are sorry that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
We hope you are back on the road soon.
Thanks.