Catalytic converter theft: what you need to know

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. Hello. Recently our neighbour’s Toyota Auris, 3 doors away from us, had its catalytic converter stolen in the early hours of the morning by 4 balaclava wearing men, one of whom stood by our neighbour’s front door wielding a machete while his friends removed the converter to deter him from coming out to try to stop the crime.

    We have a 2019 Lexus UX, and we’re concerned that it might be similarly targeted. What is your assessment of the likelihood of our UX being targeted by these CAT thieves?

    1. Hello Bill,
      We are sorry to hear that your neighbour has been affected by this horrible crime.
      The current Lexus UX 250h is a low risk vehicle to catalytic converter theft.
      We hope this helps.
      Thanks.

  2. We have just had our GS 450 HSE’s catalytic converters stolen outside my sons flat in Crystal Palace. We thought someone was using a leaf blower. Now my son runs out to check cars whenever he hears an electric anything! I learn now that we can get the SmartMarker applied for free at a local Toyota garage. We hope the sticker provided for the window will put thieves off so there’s not another theft, although it’s still worrying.

    1. Hello Lou,
      We are really sorry to hear that you have been affected by this horrible crime.
      If there is anything else we can do to assist you at this time, please let us know.
      Thanks.

    2. lou sorry to hear about your cats getting stolen
      can you tell me which year your GS450 is as i have recently bought a GS450h 2012
      i am wondering do i need to get a cat steel cable for mine ?

  3. We’ve just had our car stolen from our 2006 Lexus RX 400h. I know it’s older but is there anything I can do to protect the new cat. Clearly with such an old car I’m not in the high realms of wealth but it’s been a great car m, 241k miles and still going strong.

  4. I got my hands on a short video of a catalyzer theft done on a Lexus somewhere in a parking lot next to a motorway around London I guess by two guys in a BMW. Number plates of both cars are clearly visible. I want to get in touch with the owner of that Lexus

  5. We’ve just found out catclytic convertor in London on RX400h 07 plate has been stolen. Can you give us advice and guidance of what to do next?

    1. Hello,

      We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this crime.

      Please get in touch with your local Lexus Centre for further advice on protecting your car.
      For details of your nearest Centre, please click here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/find-a-centre.

      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.

      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.

      Many thanks.

    1. Hello Sohaib,
      Thanks for your order.
      Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft.
      However, this vehicle is deemed a high-risk vehicle.
      A CATLOC is available for the RX.
      Please contact your Lexus Centre to see which protective measures are available and to get them fitted.
      Many thanks.

      1. Hi
        Is the gs450h mark 4 a high risk model
        I have just bought one and I am little worried
        Is there a Lexus catloc for this model
        Regards

        1. Hello Glenn,
          Your GS is not a high risk vehicle.
          We would recommend contacting your Lexus Centre to see what options are available to you.
          Thanks.

  6. Hi

    I bought a 2020 Lexus NX 300H in April 2021. Is the vehicle on high risk of catalytic converter theft? Should I consider installing a Catloc device?
    Thanks.

    1. Hello Dominic.

      Thank you for your message.

      Any car fitted with a catalytic converter can be targeted. Criminals have been targeting older Lexus hybrids due to the high content of precious metals within the catalytic converter. As our combustion engines have become cleaner and our hybrid systems have become more efficient, we have reduced the precious metal content, meaning they are no more attractive to thieves than any other car.

      If you are worried about potential catalytic converter theft from your Lexus NX Hybrid, we recommend you contact your local Lexus Centre to discuss the best way to protect your car.

      Thank you.

  7. I have a 2021 model year Lexus RX450h F-Sport and I wish to avoid my car being targeted for its Catalytic Converter. Do Lexus UK offer any sort of manufacturer approved shield that can be supplied and fitted by my local Dealer? I believe there are after-market shields available but I’d much prefer to have a manufacturer approved item fitted, if such a thing exists. Thanks.

    1. Hello Steve, thanks for your question.

      Please contact your Lexus Centre to find out which protective measures are available for your vehicle. They will install these for you.

      Thanks.

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