Analysis from the group found the affordable Honda Jazz was one of UK gang members’ most sought after targets. Meanwhile, Toyota’s Prius and Auris models are also in the firing line alongside the company’s Lexus RX.
Toyota confirmed it was older vehicles mostly being targeted by organised crime groups.
Until 2018, Toyota UK said it was installing just 50 catalytic converter replacements each year.
However, when the price of platinum group metals rose the number of replacement part installations soared to 8,000.
Toyota said it had restarted some of its old production lines to ensure drivers can get replacement parts.
A spokesperson said Toyota GB makes no profits on replacement catalytic converters with prices kept at the cost of production.
They confirmed more modern vehicles contain less precious metals due to new technology.
The catalytic converters are also installed in a different area on modern vehicles, making them harder to remove.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, a Toyota spokesperson said: “Our older hybrids are amongst the cars targeted in this growing organised crime.
