Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada and How to Protect Your Car
A recent report from the Équité Association identified that vehicle theft is a growing crisis in Canada, with a vehicle being stolen every five minutes. This rising trend has impacted us all, costing Canadians a staggering $1.2 billion in 2022 alone. In Atlantic Canada, auto theft rates have surged by 34% between 2021 and 2023.
Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles of 2022
- Dodge Ram 1500 Series
- Chevrolet / GMC Silverado / Sierra 1500 Series
- Ford F150 Series
- Honda Civic
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota Corolla
- Hyundai Elantra
- Toyota RAV4
- Nissan Rogue
- Toyota Tacoma
The first half of 2023 follows the historically high 2022 auto theft trends, with Ontario seeing the greatest number of thefts (+31% YoY), followed by Quebec (+17% YoY), as reported in Équité Association’s First Half of 2023: Auto Theft Trend Report. For the first time, Canadian insurers saw over $1.2 billion in losses due to auto theft, which ultimately has cost implications for everyone.
The Impact of Organized Crime on Auto Theft
According to the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), for organized crime groups, the acquisition, shipment, and trade of stolen vehicles is a low-risk way to make illegal profits. Auto theft and insurance fraud are known to finance criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, arms dealing, and international terrorism. Criminals target:
- New and Luxury Vehicles: In Ontario and Quebec, most stolen vehicles are new (2019 and newer) because organized crime rings are focusing their efforts on stealing new and luxury vehicles for maximum profit in overseas sales.
- Vehicles with Push Button Start: Canada’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (adopted in 2007) are outdated and did not consider push button start vehicles in 2007. They have not been updated to the current standards for anti-theft safety devices. Criminals can quickly and easily exploit these outdated technologies, significantly increasing stolen vehicles across Canada. Transport Canada should strengthen the outdated regulations by mandating the inclusion of modern anti-theft devices into every new vehicle.
- Vehicles Vulnerable to Reprogramming Technology: Access to information and technology to steal vehicles is more readily available. Some criminals will target makes/models they are already equipped to steal through hardware or software hacking.
- Vehicles Without Additional Anti-Theft Protection: Criminals look for cars that are easy to steal, including those left running, unlocked, or parked outdoors. Additional criminal deterrents include aftermarket immobilizer devices, steering-wheel locks, or visible/audible devices showing thieves the vehicle is protected.
- Vehicles for Resale or Parts: Supply chain issues cause an imbalance in supply and demand, leading to the resale of stolen vehicles that have been re-VINed (re-VIN: to change the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a stolen vehicle to conceal the fact the vehicle is stolen). These stolen vehicles are sold to unsuspecting Canadians who think they are buying a legitimately used vehicle.
Équité’s Investigative Services team works with law enforcement and government agencies to identify and recover stolen vehicles and promote consumer protection. In 2022, Équité investigators, in partnership with Montréal Police, Halifax Regional Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), recovered over 2,100 vehicles valued at over $91 million.
Tips to Safeguard Your Vehicle
Keeping your vehicle safe from thieves can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you safeguard yours:
- Park your vehicle in a secure garage if possible.
- Park your vehicle in well-lit areas.
- Lock your vehicle and activate any security systems.
- Never leave a vehicle running or the key or FOB in the vehicle when unattended.
- Consider using a deterrent like a steering wheel, brake pedal lock, or OBD2 port blocker.
- Install a quality aftermarket immobilizer device with an ignition disabler that protects against relay, reprogramming, or CAN bus attacks.
- Turn off the key FOB or place it inside an RFID-blocking pouch (e.g., Faraday bag) when not in use, even at home.
- Use a visible or audible device that shows thieves the vehicle is protected.
- Equip your vehicle with a GPS tracking device.
- Do not physically track your stolen vehicle or put yourself in harm’s way.
- Always report suspicious activity to the police.
By staying informed and implementing these safety measures, you can help protect your vehicle from theft and contribute to reducing the overall impact of this growing crisis in Canada.
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