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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, 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.

722 comments

  1. Hi there, is the IS 300h as much at risk as the RX and CT models? Are you planning to offer the option of a catloc for the IS 300h? Thanks

    Reply

  2. Sadly our Lexus RX400H has just had its newly replaced Cat converter stolen again – it’s only been 3 weeks since we got it replaced (waited 8 weeks for part to become available) – (1st theft wasn’t 11am with a 2 person gang – 1 with a truncheon threateningly held at the door in case we answered the doorbell whilst his accomplice stole th CC) the 2nd was midnight last night – we have been waiting for new Kevlar device to become available as we were told the locks caused more damage when cut off that’s just the CC.. is that correct.. so sad as we love the car but it’s looking like we can’t keep it as we need our car for our disabled dog 😞🐾

    Reply

    1. Hi Colette,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been impacted by this crime. We appreciate the severity of this situation and are working to support all our customers who have been impacted. We would recommend contacting your nearest Lexus centre to discuss a replacement catalytic converter and having a Catloc fitted. You can find your nearest centre via this link: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/find-a-centre

      Thanks.

      Reply

  3. Just had our catalytic converter stolen from our lexus rx400h for second time in 3 months only had it back for 2 weeks and gone again. Garage told me catloc was waste of time as the thieves just cut through the chassis and cause more damage. Not sure what to do now, probably have to sell car and find a less attractive model.

    Reply

    1. Hi Mathew,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been a victim of this crime for a second time. In this case, we would recommend visiting your nearest Lexus centre to discuss a Catloc for your RX as a preventative measure against this type of theft. You can find your nearest Lexus centre via this link: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/find-a-centre

      Thanks.

      Reply

  4. Hi,
    The catalytic converter and the exhaust of my car Lexus hybrid 200h ct was stollen yesterday. The alarm of my car went off and it toke me less than a min to get to my car and the part was in their hand and they drove off. I am wondering in what way Lexus is going to help its customers and what precautions are there for those who have been the victim and what help can Lexus offer so it cannot get stollen again? Any protectors for the catalytic converters? It only takes a min for the thieves to take it out. So what can Lexus offer to make it impossible to be taken out?

    Reply

    1. Hi Mariam,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been a victim of this crime. We would recommend visiting your nearest Lexus centre to discuss a replacement catalytic converter and having a Catloc fitted as a preventative measure against this theft. You can find your nearest Lexus centre via this link: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/find-a-centre

      In addition to this, we are engaging with the Home Office, Local MPs, Met Police (OVCU) and the Assistant Chief Constable of Cheshire Police (Jenny Sims) who is also the National Lead for all vehicle crime. All of this will raise the profile of this crime with all police forces and identify issues with current legislation.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. Had my cat stolen last week. Police said very common problem with rx400h. Why Lexus or DVLA. not inform owners. Is the steel net guard worth investing? Will the scum cut through that as well. Why don’t Lexus bring out a cheaper cat?

        Reply

  5. Hi, I had mine stolen from Cobham station car park last Friday 7th Feb, however when contacting my insurance company I was told that this is becoming a trend and that they deal with this type of calls 2 – 3 times a week.

    Apparently, the police is also aware, as it’s a nationwide problem. It’s sad to see that it’s mainly hybrid cars which are targeted for their precious metals inside their catalytic converters.

    More importantly, I was never warned I needed to take extra care and to protect this with an anti theft device.

    Can you advice what the cost of this would be to have installed by Lexus please?

    Thanks,
    Zoe-Anne

    Reply

    1. Hi Zoe-Anne,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been a victim of this crime. We currently have Catlocs available for RX and CT and would recommend contacting your nearest Lexus Centre for further help regarding having a Catloc fitted. You can find your nearest Lexus centre via this link: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/find-a-centre

      In addition, please be aware we are engaging with Home Office, Local MPs, Met Police (OVCU) and the Assistant Chief Constable of Cheshire Police (Jenny Sims) who is also the National Lead for all vehicle crime. All of this will raise the profile of this crime with all police forces and identify issues with current legislation.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  6. My local Lexus centre cannot find the part number for the Catloc to suit my CT200h. The car is with them until Wednesday 12th.
    Can you help by confirming that such a part exists and providing the part number, please?

    Reply

  7. On 30th January my 2005 Lexus RX400H SE had the catalytic converter stolen and the drivers window smashed to steal the dash cam. I would advise any with a car using a catalytic converter and has a dash cam to remove the dash cam when parking to avoid having your window smashed as this increases the cost of repairs considerably and the mess the shattered glass causes. I have had this car from new and due to its age the insurance company had decided it is beyond economic repair and declared it a total loss. This has obviously caused me to be forced into a decision about the car which I was very happy with and as going to keep it for as long as it would keep going. It happened in a council car park in Elstree as we were visiting to be in the audience at a recording of the Chase. We arrived at the car park at 12:45 and returned to the car at 18:45 to find the damage. When then had to 3 hours for a recovery vehicle to collect the car and then arrange for a taxis to take us home. We arrived home at 01:00. What should have been a memorable experience in a positive way was ruined by scum bags.

    Reply

    1. Hi Ray,

      Thanks for getting in touch with us. We are so sorry to hear you have been impacted by this crime. We would recommend contacting your nearest Lexus centre to discuss preventative measures against this type of theft and having a Catloc fitted. You can find your nearest centre via this link: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/find-a-centre

      Please also be aware we are engaging with Home Office, Local MPs, Met Police (OVCU) and the Assistant Chief Constable of Cheshire Police (Jenny Sims) who is also the National Lead for all vehicle crime. All of this will raise the profile of this crime with all police forces and identify issues with current legislation.

      In addition, if you would like to discuss your situation further with our customer relations team, you can find their details via this link: https://www.lexus.co.uk/concierge-tool/contact-us/

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Shahil,

      No. We only provide Catlocs for vehicles that are being targeted by thieves, and NX is not one of those vehicles. Thieves tend to target older vehicles due to the higher concentration of precious metals in the catalyst. Newer models, like yours have far less precious metal.

      Thanks

      Thanks.

      Reply

  9. I had my cat stolen from the NEC car park last Friday 14th Feb, it is being replaced today via my insurance. Can lexus give information on the Carlos they have, costs etc

    Reply

    2. Hi Trevor,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We are sorry you have been a victim of this crime. We have Catlocs available for RX400h and the Lexus CT. Regarding costs, For RX we have a bundle price of £850 for a replacement catalytic converter and Catloc and £1050 for CT. However, for exact prices we would recommend contacting your nearest Lexus centre as they will be able to advise on any additional repair costs after inspecting your vehicle.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. LEXUS UK could you confirm any details we need to quote in relation to the bundle price as Lexus Twickenham have no information about this?

        Reply

        1. Hi Tom,

          Thanks for getting in touch. We’re sorry to hear this. The part number for RX is 17420-20400 (RX) and for CT it is 17410-20400 (CT). The centre should be able to access more information using this.

          Thanks.

          Reply

  10. Hi,
    My CT catalyst converter stolen today. May I know if the parts are available or if there is any waiting period? Also, how much Cataloc will costs on its own?

    Reply

        1. Hi SM,

          Thanks for getting back in touch.

          We are doing all we can to minimise the inconvenience to impacted customer as much as possible. We treat all cases on a one by one basis and our Customer Relations team will look at your case and consider offering a courtesy vehicle FOC where Insurance providers will not cover this cost.

          We have also developed and are supplying theft deterrent devices at zero profit and are working with insurers to minimise the impact on consumers.

          Thanks.

          Reply

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