With the prices of precious metals soaring to record highs, catalytic converter theft has been on the rise in recent months but over in the UK, Toyota has announced that it will do its part to try to stop thieves in their tracks.
According to the car manufacturer, it will spend more than £1 million adding covert markings to more than 100,000 catalytic converters across the UK. All owners have to do is bring their car into a local Toyota service center.
Vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Auris Hybrid, Yaris Hybrid, and Lexus RX Hybrid have become favorites for thieves as they contain a higher concentration of precious metals and because the cat in a hybrid vehicle has a lighter workload than a standard ICE, they are typically in better condition.
Read More: Catalytic Converters Are Worth Their Weight In Gold Thanks To Rising Material Prices
The markings to be used by Toyota are known as ‘Smartwater’ markings and have been approved by local police. They are invisible and if found, can be traced to a specific crime, This Is Money reports.
Catalytic converters include metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which is currently worth $27,900 an ounce.
“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,” Toyota GB director of customer services Rob Giles said of the initiative.
