MJZ97

I only stumbled across the Catalytic Converter theft craze accidentally the day after I bought my Lexus, straight away reading all the comments had me worried, so I booked in immediately with an exhaust garage to have a de-cat and straight pipe fitted for £250. Obviously, as I’ve switched from diesel to hybrid to be more eco this isn’t ideal, but until there’s a better solution it will have to suffice. The protection plates may only deter or delay the theft, and the universal option could still fail too. I thought about putting side steps on to deter but I doubt that would work. I read a lot of comments saying hybrids don’t get emission tested, and there are still two more cats further up the vehicle so it will pass its MOT.
However, I also still want to use Lexus for servicing, so I just wanted to ask if they will still accept the car for service with the modification as I know there is a fine for tampering with the eco parts on your car.
Thank you!

Clutchless

Do not remove it. Lack of the cat may screw up the hybrid system and emissions controls as the hybrid is very sophisticated.
In the US such removal is illegal due to local and federal emissions control laws. It may be illegal where you are.
I think the amount of theft is overblown by the media. Look at some of the anti theft measures on youtube and use one of them on your vehicle.

Droid13

I'm trying to remember where all the exhaust parts are located, but if you really want to do this make sure the garage knows exactly what they are doing. Unlike most vehicles, there is a heat exchanger on the exhaust system with coolant lines running nearby. Expensive mistake if they aren't very careful. I do agree with Clutchless though, better to put your time and money into protection.