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.
I was battered by three thieves in balaclavas who I caught stealing the cat of my CT200h. I haven’t had a car for a full month and the insurance has clearly not fitted it properly as an engine light has come on, tell me why we should buy Lexus again>?
Hello,
We are very sorry to hear about this horrible experience and apologise for the distress this may have caused.
Technically, any car fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft, but 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. As our hybrid systems have become more efficient our newer models have up to 84% less precious metal content in the catalytic converter, making them less attractive to thieves. This is a criminal issue, and we working with various agencies, including the Police, to try to put a stop to it.
Please contact our Customer Relations Team to discuss this. You can find them here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
Once again, we are very sorry that you’ve been affected by this horrible crime.
Thanks.
I stopped three guys in a white BMW series 1 from stealing a Lexus catalytic converter last night, threatened me with a large metal pole. No registration unfortunately but reported to the police who said they have been busy tonight. Oxford area.
I had my CC stolen from my 2011 Lexus CT200 parked in a public car park on December 12th 2022. The small grate was left and some springs/bolts and looked like it was so easy to remove and unbolt in seconds. Had a total nightmare with insurance company and was without a car until 5th Jan when I got money settlement. For warning of others despite my car being valued 10k this caused insurance to say due to age will be commercial write off and hence under my insurance, as not being repaired couldn’t get a courtesy car. Took weeks to say this and not going to repair, caused major disruption to my families life over Xmas. What is most frustrating I had no idea Lexus was a target for CC thefts, thought only Prius targeted and had never heard of a Lexus having one stolen. My car has been into a Lexus garage for service and at no time did anyone say oh your Lexus CC’s is a high risk now and hundreds being stolen weekly in UK. Nor that we have options like smartwater and a possible added catloc!!!!. This may well of put off criminals to target mine in car park or smart water assist/cause issues selling it. And despite Lexus being an amazing car when I finally got salvage settlement I didn’t buy a Lexus and will not again buy any hybrid or Lexus until this type of theft is no longer beneficial, which we will not know and seems massive risk even getting a new one as probably still not a bad money target for thieves. And low risk as masked, no forensics possible, false plate cars CCTV no help to police for these crimes easily done in 2 minutes!
Hello Peter, thanks for reaching out to us.
We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this crime. We apologise for the inconvenience and distress that this may cause.
Technically, any car fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft, but 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. As our hybrid systems have become more efficient our newer models have much reduced precious metal content in the catalytic converter by up to 84%, making them less attractive to thieves.
We are sorry to hear that you were not informed about the risk of Catalytic Converter theft, nor offered any protective measures. We would recommend contacting our Customer Relations Team to discuss this. You can contact them here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
We appreciate the severity of this crime and, once again, apologise for the distress this has caused.
Many thanks.
Lexus GE450h. My CC were stolen approximately a year ago in London. Police didn’t do anything. Car park, which is full of CCTV, said there is nothing, RAC said they won’t tow me home (over 60 miles) for free as this is not a damage, it’s vandalism. So that November night was one I’ll never forget. So yeah, seeing what is happening around with cats-if you don’t want it to be stolen-don’t buy Lexus I guess. Even though Lexus is amazing car, but they didn’t really think this through. I would say all the CC theft related stuff should be on some kind of lifetime warranty. At least free cages and other stuff to prevent theft.
Hello Sasha, thanks for reaching out to us.
We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been a victim of this horrible crime and understand the distress this may have caused.
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, writing to our dealer network to inform customers and writing directly to vehicle owners where details have been available to do so.
We have also engaged with the Home Office, Local MPs, the Met Police and the Assistant Chief Constable of Cheshire Police (Jenny Sims), who is also the National Lead for Vehicle Crime. This will raise the profile of the crime with all police forces and identify issues with current legislation.
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.
We have also developed and are supplying theft deterrent devices at zero profit to Lexus UK such as CatLocs, tilt alarms, bolt caps and component etching to protect consumers from further attacks.
We apologise for the distress and inconvenience this has caused. We would recommend contacting our Customer Relations Team to discuss this further. You can contact them on 0345 129 5484 or https://www.lexus.co.uk/help-centre.
Thanks.
My 2009 Lexus RX400h targeted last night. Cat gone in under 2 minutes. Cat was Smartwater ‘protected’ using the Lexus/Toyota supplied kit. I have owned the car since new…and then this.
It is clear that older Toyota/Lexus cars are targeted, and we know its for the precious metals that these cats have, that more recent cars have significantly less off. Organised criminals are not put off by Smartwater – they do not have the conscience or power or consequential thought…otherwise they would not be career thieves.
My solution, after driving the car back on the motorway sounding a Chieftain Tank out on exercise, was to visit a local garage, who fitted a straight pipe where once the catalytic convertor did reside. It cost me £90. There is no point in spending £700 or more on a replacement from Lexus. It will only happen again. OK, it does not have a cat, but hybrids no longer get tested for omissions at MOT.
It is nice of the Police and Lexus to mop the driver’s brown after being a victim of crime. What would really help though, would be a campaign to exchange cats when a car is in for service, with a low value one, perhaps painted bright orange to signify that it is worth nothing. The owner could trade in their cat in exchange for cash rebate, and be assured that the root cause of the problem has gone. Come on Toyota…you know there is an issue, help the customers out here.
Hello Bryan, thanks for your message.
We’re really sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this 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, writing to our dealer network to inform customers and writing directly to vehicle owners where details have been available to do so. 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.
Once again, we are sorry that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
If you would like to raise your situation further, we would recommend contacting our Customer Relations team directly. You can do so here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
Many thanks.
Thanks Lexus. The point I make is, a cat with value may as well be taken off a vehicle BEFORE it is stolen. We know crimes happen, we understand lobbying for tightening the law. My car was targeted by a Romanian gang. There is a high probability the metal will go abroad, bypassing the UK metal supply chain.
The scrap value of my cat is allegedly around £350. Good result for a 2 minute crime by 3 people.
So….I challenge Lexus and Toyota. Take away the route cause. Swap cats off targeted cars. Don’t feed criminals.
Hi, I just bought NX 2017 do I have to be worried about CC? Any advice in case I have to go to Lexus garage? Thanks
Hello Viorel, thanks for your question.
Please provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this.
Thanks.
I really must take issue with the latest Lexus newsletter that refers back to this article.
Smartwater is NOT a deterrent. The only way of preventing theft of a catalytic convertor from a RX400h, is to remove it and store. There….that’s it. Temptation gone. Nothing to steal. The problem then is….do you replace with an inexpensive after market cat? Do you just ‘straight pipe’ it?
I have not studied the law but my understanding is that it is illegal to have a polluting car and can face a fine. However, it is questionable if it is ‘illegal ‘ to drive a vehicle that has been decatted.
The MOT test no longer checks emissions on hybrids, so you may be OK. Your car may be OK even if there is not cat.
I think this is where Lexus needs to help the loyal Lexus owner out. Provide guidance on the above, help owners make a decision. Even better…..help with a cat exchange program that replaces the valuable cat with a solution that has minimal value on the black market.
Lexus cars are fantastic and built to a high standard. I have owned 5 and enjoyed them all. Please Lexus, keep the appeal more for the owner than organised, well equipped and armed criminals.
Reading through the comments from other Lexus owners leads me to enquire –
Does my brand new NX F 350 Sport have a relatively safe low precious metal content?
and
What are you doing to progress the eminently sensible suggestions of a cat exchange scheme?
Hello John, thanks for your comment.
Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft. However, please provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can check the risk level of your vehicle.
We value our customers feedback and are constantly assessing this situation. We have developed and are supplying theft deterrent devices at zero profit to Toyota UK such as CatLocs, tilt alarms, bolt caps and component etching to protect consumers from further attacks. We have also engaged with the Home Office, Local MPs, the Met Police and the Assistant Chief Constable of Cheshire Police (Jenny Sims), who is also the National Lead for Vehicle Crime. This will raise the profile of the crime with all police forces and identify issues with current legislation.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Customer Relations Team. You can find them here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
Many thanks.
Lexus UK – as stated above, it is good to make valiant efforts and lobby authorities, but whilst an older Lexus is parked on the street, its relatively high quality/containing catalyst is often more attractive than other make/model catalysts. Remember, people have witnessed there car’s being attacked, but fear reprisals from organised crime gangs that operate in teams of 3 (driver, lookout/guard, the person with the cutter). The owner can be stood there, looking on, whilst being threatened.
If there is no precious cat, there is no risk. No commodity, no market.
The ‘deterrents’ do not work. They laugh at SmartWater. A Catloc may be £250, and left on the ground also destroyed. It makes no sense to try and protect a catalyst.
Really – an exchange scheme is the way forward.
My Lexus RX 450 catalytic converter has targeted within an hour when I’m having my lunch at theSAIKEI CHINESE DIM SUM 85 Bugsby’s Way,Greenwich ,London SE10 0GD
(Located beneath theHoliday Inn Express)
When I’m going back to tell them they said this is not the first case happened but not at the daylight. Even the holiday inn reception do not give any support about the CCTV .
Hello Jade, thanks for reaching out to us.
We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been a victim of this crime and apologise for the distress this may have caused.
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. 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. This is a criminal issue, and we working with various agencies, including the Police, to try to put a stop to it.
Please contact our Customer Relations Team to discuss this further. You can find them here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
Once again, we are very sorry that this has happened to you and hope that you are back on the road sooon.
Thanks.
I had my catalytic converter stolen off my RX 400h, again the police did nothing about it, my neighbour saw and it happened in under 90 seconds.
Lexus should have some concession or victim support pot should be set up by Lexus so owners can claim or have Lexus contribute to the repair or replacement.
Millions of pounds are made by Lexus, they should put some of these profits to helping their customers. Customer retention is valuable for any company especially a brand like Lexus.
I’ve now replaced my car with a 2011 450h, hopefully I will have better luck.
Hello, thanks for your comment.
We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been a victim of this crime.
We appreciate the severity of this crime and are working incredibly hard to support all of our customers who have been impacted by this terrible crime. We have engaged with the Home Office, Local MPs, the Met Police and the Assistant Chief Constable of Cheshire Police (Jenny Sims), who is also the National Lead for Vehicle Crime. This will raise the profile of the crime with all police forces and identify issues with current legislation. Additionally, over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84%.
Once again, we are sorry that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
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.
Thanks.
Had my Cat stolen from Harborne Birmingham a public car park! Have brought this car this year off my brother after saving for sooo long and wasn’t expecting to experience this ever, as a single mother this is scary to me. I certainly can not afford the part! 😭😭 affecting my daily life not being able to drive. I don’t think you truly empathise with the little people who are victims in this idiotic crime
Hello Marie, thanks for reaching out to us.
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.
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.
Please contact our Customer Relations Team to discuss this further. You can find them here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
Once again, we are sorry that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
Thanks.
RX450H new car bought in 2021 is also targeted by Cat thief at night two day ago. some springs/bolts left in my driveway and looked like it was so easy to remove and unbolt in seconds, AA from LEXUS Assist told me that it need at least £2500 to fix. It is very annoying not only losing the money but also very inconvenient.
When I bought it, the sales never mention this thing, he also did not advertise any protection tools for Cat. He only promotes something for painting and services. After the lost of Cat and checking this forum, I have just found that this is very common problem for any hybrid models of Lexus car.
Your official feedback is: “We have developed and are supplying theft deterrent devices at zero profit to Toyota UK such as CatLocs, tilt alarms, bolt caps and component etching to protect consumers from further attacks.” Then I really don’t understand that why you don’t install those protection stuffs before selling the car to customer.. If you don’t want to add up the cost, why you do not promote those stuffs to customer when you sell the car? Since you do not do both things, I highly suspect whether your protection stuffs work properly.
It is very annoying that you did nothing and let the victim to find out that your car has this kind of problem. Honestly, with the social network, your policy will only put your brand down.
Hello, thanks for getting in touch.
We appreciate your feedback and apologise for the distress this situation has caused.
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, writing to our dealer network to inform customers and writing directly to vehicle owners where details have been available to do so.
We have also engaged with the Home Office, Local MPs, the Met Police and the Assistant Chief Constable of Cheshire Police (Jenny Sims), who is also the National Lead for Vehicle Crime. This will raise the profile of the crime with all police forces and identify issues with current legislation.
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%.
We would recommend contacting our Customer Relations Team to discuss this further. You can find them here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
Once again, we apologise for the distress and inconvenience this has caused. We hope you are back on the road soon.
Thanks.