Toyota Catalytic Converter thefts

[Phil D]

A police notice on catalytic converter thefts that mentions Toyota. See extract regarding security markings below.

https://news.met.police.uk/news/police-operation-to-stop-thefts-of-catalytic-converters-423914

"Though we know that multiple models and brands of vehicles are targeted, we are delighted to learn that Toyota has now undertaken a national catalytic converter marking programme.

“This marking scheme, which the Met has worked closely with Toyota to bring to fruition, will work at the root of the problem to minimize the opportunity for crime. Marking catalytic converters can dramatically improve the likelihood of our ability to unite stolen parts with their rightful owners.

“Police will now conduct the evidence gathering process at the sites in order to build a profile demonstrating the scale of the criminal damage these people have caused, and submit our findings to the Crown Prosecution Service.”

Has anyone had their catalytic converter 'marked' and does Toyota call you up as with safety recalls or do owners have to contact Toyota to arrange for an appointment. Also, is the marking an etching or a forensic water mark.

[Guest]

I bought my own etching kit from Selectamark and etched the cat ( and registered it) as well as adding two steel plates covering the thing (from E bay) one plate 3mm plus one plate 2mm making a total of 5mm thickness. Funnily enough the 2mm plate seemed to be made of a harder material then the 3mm plate  - hardened perhaps!  Both identical to look at, both with air vents in the same places that I bent using a very large screwdriver and chamfered with a grinder to help the flow of air through them.  Fitted both plates together and other than the very long bolts I also used four locking wheel bolts with the outer edges ground to a cone shape to help stop a pipe wrench from gripping the things. I also have a Cat alarm I must get round to fitting.

[Phil D]

@Geoff PI'm afraid I don't have your skills. I'm better at sewing than engineering/mechanical work.

I have yet to contact my local Toyota dealer to find out what marking they have undertaken to do. I hear it's smart water that can be forensically identified like DNA. I hear the Catloc supplied by Toyota does not deter the thieves and barely slows the theft. I hope your bespoke lock deters them.   Good luck.

[PSCF]

Previous to purchasing the latest Yaris (May 1st 2021) I had an Auris Hybrid (2013) which suffered a catalytic converter theft .. all within 50 secs at around 05:30 in the morning.  Had it repaired and considered a Catlok.. but advised this only adds 20 secs more to the time of theft removal.  As the catalytic converters are being sold/stripped by non-readily traceable operatives (??).... etching the parts seems useless.  Decided to not chance a second theft so traded in for a new Yaris Hybrid Excel .. after being advised by Toyota Sales that the converter is more difficult to remove.   Although having had a quick test drive, had I realised how useless many if the supposed safety features (given the numerous conditions when they may not work)... I would have bought another brand of vehicle (non-Toyota).  Have had Toyotas for over 50 years and all previous models have been excellent (still have a 16 year old Rav4.. in perfect condition).  This Yaris is in my opinion a non-starter.  Having done 400 miles since new (many under stress/frustration - given the number of alarms..... now many set to off)... it also displays icons that even Toyota UK (garages .. where bought) knew nothing about.  Understandably as the User Manual is EU (basically LHD versions) much is missing for the UK RHS driver,,,, basically ( and I quote the Toyota Sales person) rubbish.  Surely, given that Toyota are singing the praises of this new Yaris... they could first produce a more favourable User Manual..... with less emphasis on "warnings" / "cautions" and "what to do when it goes wrong".     I have written to toyota UK with many suggestions...basically... remove all the 'cleverness'.. and get back to building .. a car for drivers and not robots.   To say that I amnit impressed by this latest offering by Toyota (apart from iot being EU built !!)... is an understatement.     Will I but Toyota again..... possibly not.

[FROSTYBALLS]

57 minutes ago, PSCF said:

had I realised how useless many if the supposed safety features (given the numerous conditions when they may not work)...

Most manufacturers are adopting these types of safety systems, so whether you had bought Toyota or not, your new car would still have had more warnings, cautions, etc , than even five years ago, let alone since 2013.

Our 2020 Hyundai, for example, has Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Start Assist, Impact Sensing Automatic Door Unlocking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Sensitive Automatic Door Locking, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, High Beam Assist, ABS, Vehicle Stability Management, etc, etc.

Part of the reason Toyota are installing these systems is to compete effectively in the marketplace. Also some systems are a legal requirement on new cars - for example, tyre pressure monitoring system, acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS), and so on - so manufacturers have little choice but to comply with legislation. 

Time and tide wait for no man.