Catalytic Converter Thefts in the UK: Protect Your Car in 2025

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise, with 75 thefts a day in 2022. Learn why thieves target them, which cars are at risk, and how to protect your vehicle. Catalytic converter thefts have surged across the UK, driven by the valuable metals inside. With thieves growing brazen – hitting cars in broad daylight – drivers need to know how to deter these crimes.

Why Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converters (or “cats”) clean your car’s exhaust emissions. They contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium which can fetch high prices as scrap. Thieves can saw off a converter in under 2 minutes, then sell it to unscrupulous metal recyclers for £100–£150. The scale of the problem: Nearly 100,000 converters were stolen in the UK from 2019-2022, averaging 75 per day in 2022​

This crime wave is costly – replacing a cat can run £750+, and damage to sensors or pipes can push that higher.

Cars at Highest Risk

Thieves often target certain models for two reasons: the converters are easier to access and/or contain more precious metal:

• Hybrid Vehicles (e.g., Toyota Prius, Honda Jazz Hybrid): Hybrids’ engines run cooler and less often, so their cats are often richer in precious metals (since they weren’t used as hard). Prius and Honda hybrids from the 2000s and 2010s have been prime targets – in some regions, police even advise Prius owners to take extra precautions.
• SUVs and Trucks: Vehicles with higher ground clearance (like a Honda CR-V or Ford Ranger) are easier to slide under without a jack, making theft quicker. Work vans and 4x4s often fall into this category, and their larger engines also have larger cats containing more material.
• Older Petrol Cars: Any older petrol with an exposed cat is fair game. Thieves have schematics of which cars have the converter in the engine bay vs. underneath. Under-floor ones (often mid-pipe) are the ones thieves want. An older VW Golf or Ford Fiesta might not be immune if left in a quiet spot and accessible.

Reality Check: No car is 100% safe if it has a converter, but hybrids have been disproportionately hit. The Met Police noted spikes in thefts particularly of the Toyota Prius and Auris in London neighborhoods. Meanwhile, some newer models have started placing converters in the engine bay (harder to reach) or using less of the key metals.

How Thefts Occur (Know the Signs)

Typically, thieves work in pairs with one lookout and one under the car. Methods:

• Mechanical Jack & Reciprocating Saw: They jack up the car, zip through the exhaust pipes on either side of the cat with a battery-powered saw (creating a harsh buzzing noise). Whole process: 1-3 minutes.
• Situational Boldness: Many thefts happen in plain sight – supermarket car parks, hospital lots, residential streets in daylight. Thieves often wear high-vis vests to look like workers and may even act as if “fixing” a car.
• Aftermath Clues: If your car suddenly is very loud (roaring exhaust noise) when started and you notice a section of pipe hanging or cut, the cat’s likely gone. Also, if you see suspicious people under a car with a saw, call 999 – police are actively trying to catch these crews.

Protecting Your Vehicle

While no measure is foolproof, these can significantly reduce risk:

• Parking Choices: Park in well-lit, busy areas. At home, if you have a garage, use it. If not, consider installing motion-sensor lights and CCTV overlooking where you park. Thieves prefer quick wins – anything that increases their chance of being seen can deter them.
• Physical Shields: Consider a catalytic converter anti-theft device. These range from stainless steel cages or clamps that make removal harder, to plates like the “Catloc” specifically designed for certain models (Toyota offers Catlocs for Prius/Auris). They bolt around the converter, requiring more time and noise to cut through. Many victims install these after a theft, but pre-emptive installation is on the rise. Cost: £150-£250 installed – far cheaper than a new cat.
• Etching/Marking: Some garages and police events offer free catalytic converter etching – engraving a unique code and painting it with high-temp paint. Marked cats are harder to sell anonymously. Stickers on your window can advertise this (“This vehicle’s catalytic converter is marked and registered”). While a tiny deterrent, if a thief has two identical cars to choose and one loudly declares its cat is traceable, they’ll likely avoid that one.
• Alarm Sensitivity: Many car alarms won’t trigger for jacking or a sawing vibration by default. But some aftermarket alarm systems or tilt sensors can be added to trigger if the car is lifted. If your alarm blares when a thief starts jacking, chances are they’ll flee. For example, Tesla vehicles use built-in sensors and cameras; there have been incidents where Sentry Mode camera footage captured cat thieves in action, assisting later arrests.

What to Do if Yours is Stolen

If you fall victim despite precautions:

1. Stay Safe & Report: If it’s in progress, call 999 and do not confront thieves – they have been known to carry metal bars or even use the saw as a weapon. If you discover it after the fact, report to the police (101 or online) and get a crime reference number. This helps track crime patterns and is needed for insurance.
2. Insurance Coverage: Catalytic converter theft is typically covered under comprehensive insurance. However, check your excess – if it’s high, sometimes the repair cost might be barely above it. Some insurers in high-theft areas have unfortunately raised premiums or excesses for affected models. Provide the crime number to your insurer.
3. Repairing: Do not drive the car if the cat is gone – not only is it loud, but you could damage valves from cold air sucking in, and you’re also emitting unfiltered exhaust (illegal to drive in that state). Have it towed to a trusted exhaust or dealership workshop. There’s been cat part shortages due to demand; you may face a wait. Discuss with the garage about adding a theft deterrent device during the fix.
4. Consider Aftermarket Cats Carefully: If your car is older and not under warranty, an aftermarket catalytic converter can be much cheaper than OEM. Just ensure it meets UK emissions standards for your vehicle – cheap off-spec ones might lead to MOT emissions test failure. A reputable exhaust centre will know the right spec.

Statistics to Note: from news outlets ~97,000 thefts from 2020 through late 2022​

Hotspots include dense urban areas like London, Birmingham, Manchester – but rural towns are not immune, especially Park & Ride lots or unfenced car parks where thieves can hit several cars then escape to motorway routes. Being aware is key.

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