Yaris - Police Report Catalytic Converter thefts (99-02 models)

[The Aardvark]

Let's be careful out there.

Source: https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40353401.html

Thefts of catalytic converters in Cork 'back in a big way'
Catalytic converters are exhaust emission control devices and they are valuable to criminals due to the “precious metals” inside them
Car owners in Cork are being warned to be extra vigilant when parking their vehicles with the theft of catalytic converters on the rise.

Sergeant John Kelly of Fermoy Garda Station said converter theft is a crime that “seems to be back, and back in a big way.” 

He warned people, particularly drivers of older models of Toyota Yaris’, to make sure their cars are parked safely.

Catalytic converters are exhaust emission control devices and they are valuable to criminals due to the “precious metals” inside them.

Sgt Kelly told C103's Cork Today Show that there was an attempt to steal a converter in Naad on July 27 and a blue Skoda had been seen acting suspiciously.

He said that there were five other separate incidents in Youghal, Milford, Churchtown near Mallow, Effin south near Charleville and Ballyclogh which all occurred last month.

“In all cases, it was an old model Toyota Yaris that was targeted," Sgt Kelly said. 

“When you consider that the replacement of a catalytic converter could be maybe €650 or €700, that could be more than the price of what the car is worth. 

"Particularly when you consider if your car is a 99 or a 00 or a 02. It seems to be the older model of Toyota Yaris” 

Sgt Kelly said that it is “quite likely” that the criminals have “a bit of homework” done in advance.

He said that they may know the locations of the cars and “do two or three in the same general area”.

Sgt Kelly urged people who have an older style Toyota Yaris to be vigilant.

He advised people to reverse their cars into the driveway, right up to the door.

“As well, if you have a couple of friends in the area, just tip them off that your car might be a target for those people.”

 

 

[flash22]

The cats are not worth a great deal scrap on the mk1, £10-15 max only had one mk1 yaris done around here that was 2-3 years ago

probably clueless idiots stealing them to scrap them in 1 go

aftermarket replacements are £60-100

eg.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143541192020

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164254926321

[Cyker]

Seriously?? Surely by now the Mk1's exhaust systems will be so worn any precious metals would be corroded to buggery!

Hopefully they're at least not stupid enough to go after the diesel ones, which don't even have the properly precious metals in them...!

(If they do at least we can take solace that they'd get a nice dose of lung cancer with it, since the Mk1's don't have DPFs  )

 

[corradovr6]

On 8/5/2021 at 8:53 PM, flash22 said:

The cats are not worth a great deal scrap on the mk1, £10-15 max only had one mk1 yaris done around here that was 2-3 years ago

probably clueless idiots stealing them to scrap them in 1 go

aftermarket replacements are £60-100

eg.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143541192020

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164254926321

I think you need type approved replacements - which are over £100.

[TonyHSD]

We have to be realistic, thieves cut those cats that are easy to get off the car, do you think Honda jazz has many precious metals in? , their cats are so small but the same time so easy to cut and take away. Any car that has its catalytic converter located behind the engine and easily accessible underneath  is a potential target, Toyota unfortunately has many models designed exactly like that. , I will not number them in case thieves are stopping  by here 🤭 Recent theft of Celica cat, new Corolla second box after the cat, Auris 1.6 non hybrid all that shows one thing, thieves are after easy targets.