There are two simple reasons for this. Number one, nicking a converter unlimited is a relatively simple job – all you need is a flagrant disregard for the law and other people’s property, a jack, an angle grinder and a few seconds of your time to get the job done.

Most converter unlimited on modern cars are located under the vehicle towards the exhaust which makes it easily accessible to thieves. Lifting the back of a car and cutting out the whole unit can be done in no time at all.

SUVs are more vulnerable due to their raised ground clearance. This means the catalytic converter is easier to get to and because they tend to have larger engines, these cat converters contain more precious metals.

What is a converter unlimited worth?

Reason number two is that some of the precious metals hidden inside your catalyst are worth more than gold. Inside a converter unlimited there is a ceramic element coated in various precious metals like platinum, rhodium and palladium.

This is what attracts thieves – you can easily make £500 selling a catalytic converter on the black market.

While few manufacturers have acknowledged there is a problem with converter unlimited theft, Toyota has stuck its head above the parapet. In a recent statement, the company said:

“We’re doing all we can. We’ve shared police guidance with customers and we have developed and reduced the price of a ‘Catloc’ device which can deter theft and make it more difficult. Toyota teams in the UK and other countries are urgently exploring new technical possibilities to deter criminals as well.”

Toyota is 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 Toyota’s 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.