You can purchase devices that lock in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove.
called a Catloc. The Catloc has over 45 bespoke fitments, so the device should fit quite a few models in the range. The Catloc costs between £200 and £250 (depending on model), which includes VAT and fitting by a Toyota retailer. While this isn’t a cheap solution, replacing a catalytic converter can cost well over £1000, including fitting. Hybrid models, which contain a higher percentage of precious metals, are also particularly at risk. The Catloc can’t guarantee theft prevention but it does make cutting the cat converter out more difficult.
Install security camera(s)
nstalling security cameras (CCTV, Ring Doorbell etc) seems like an obvious answer, and it is. Unfortunately, if you don’t park on your driveway then this can be significantly more difficult to implement. There are alternative options to keep an eye on your car when you park it up, like wildlife trail cameras – but realistically it’s best to park in areas where there’s possible CCTV filming anyway – like well-lit, well-traversed streets if you can’t park off-street. With the cost of CCTV systems falling an becoming an easy job to intall (not requiring specialist services), it’s never been simpler to keep an eye on your car. It’s worth considering for peace of mind generally, not just for catalytic converter theft.
Park in well lit areas
This is another one that’s more to do with common sense and lowering the chances of a crime being committed generally – it’s not specific to catalytic converter theft. Thieves are often opportunistic and the equipment required to cut out a cat converter is pretty heavy-duty, but once a vehicle is targeted – thieves tend to wait for an opportunity to strike as the theft itself takes a matter of minutes. If you park in an area that’s well lit, which people regularly walk past, you’re less likely to come back to find your catalytic converter has been pinched.
Install alarm(s)
If your vehicle doesn’t have an alarm and you live in an area where cat converter thefts are on the rise (big cities like London), it’s definitely time to invest in one. The noise of the alarm should be enough to scare off any thieves.
CatClamp
The CatClamp ‘clamps’ to the exhaust pipes, not the converter, allowing different sized and shaped converters to be protected. This eliminates the risk of damaging the converter, heat shield or oxygen sensors. Locked to the vehicle’s chassis up to seven times, it makes stealing your catalytic converter very difficult for a thief in a hurry. Three options are available, starting at £99 (CatClampEconomy) and topping out at £350 for the CatClamp MAXX³.
Keep your car stored off road
This option simply won’t be suitable for everybody, but if you have a garage you can use – it makes sense to keep your vehicle in there, especially if you live/work in an area where catalytic converter thefts are common. If you don’t have a garage you can access, try to park alongside other vehicles or in designated parking areas – i.e. car parks, multi-storeys etc.
Block access to the underside of fleets
If you operate a small fleet, consider obstructing access to vehicles with high ground clearance by parking lower vehicles close by. Also, keep an eye out for anyone who seems to be working underneath cars nearby, they could very well be scouting out their next target vehicle.