Toyota spends £1 million to deter catalytic converter thefts

Toyota will spend £1 million on covertly marking more than 100,000 older car parts to deter criminals and help prevent catalytic converter theft.

Gangs are increasingly stealing catalytic converters for the precious metals they contain, and the Japanese manufacturer said it hoped the scheme helps to track down offenders.

Toyota is working directly with the police and Smartwater, which manufactures police-approved marking devices, to provide an initial batch of 50,000 kits. The markings, which are invisible, mean a stolen catalytic converter can be traced to a specific crime, helping police to combat the organised gangs responsible.

It also raises the risk to all those handling the stolen devices along the criminal chain, from theft to eventual disposal and recycling.

Recent hybrids not targeted

Toyota said thieves tend to target older hybrid models because the catalyst in a hybrid has a lower workload than in a non-electrified vehicle. This usually means it is in better condition. However, devices in more modern cars, such as the Corolla Hybrid pictured above, are built to a different design and are not targeted.

“Catalytic converter theft is a very serious problem in the UK and the effects on victims of this crime are emotional as well as financial,” said Rob Giles, Toyota GB director of customer services.

“We’re pleased to be starting this initiative, working closely with the police, not only to help them with their efforts to combat this crime but also to send a clear message to criminals that if they choose to target a Toyota or Lexus car, there is now a far higher chance of getting caught. 

“We know from our work with police and others that the solution to this crime is not only arresting those doing the stealing, but also making life harder for those buying the stolen goods. We hope this will help in that.”

Toyota said owners can contact their local dealership to arrange a marking visit for free.

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