Many Canadians are concerned about auto thefts – regardless of whether they have experienced it. A CAA Insurance Company public opinion survey conducted in late 2023 showed that 49% of Canadians were worried about their cars being broken into and 39% were concerned about their car being stolen. Not surprisingly, the more urban the location, the greater the concern grew. More than 50% of those surveyed felt that insurance companies should be primarily responsible for educating Canadians about theft prevention options, while 38% felt that responsibility belonged to local law enforcement.

If you think only luxury vehicles have been the targets, think again. A recent report by Équité Association, a not-for-profit organization that works to prevent insurance fraud in the auto industry, shows that the top ten most stolen vehicles range from cars to SUVs and less expensive to luxury models. Moreover, the list varies by province across the country. For instance, Ontario’s top five stolen vehicle models include Honda CR-Vs (2020), Lexus RX series (2020), Dodge Ram 1500 series (2022) and Toyota Highlanders (2021). Meanwhile, in the Atlantic provinces thieves are favouring Dodge Ram 1500 series (2017), Chevrolet/GMC Silverado Sierra 1500 series (2018) and Ford 150 Series (2010).

When fewer new vehicles were made during the pandemic slowdown, demand rose sharply – especially overseas. This is, in part, why stolen vehicles are often exported to places where they can fetch double their Canadian street price. A shortage of precious metals such as nickel, platinum and rhodium is another reason for the increase in thefts. These materials are currently more valuable than gold. Many cars are being stolen just for their parts, with catalytic converters being the most sought-after since they contain around $200 worth of platinum alone.
Yet not all stolen cars are destined to go overseas. Every vehicle has its own vehicle identification number (VIN) or QR code that’s usually displayed on the driver’s windshield or door jamb. This unique number is a way for consumers to track accident repairs on a car to ensure its fair resale value, and for insurance companies to determine your premiums. VINs are also a way to ensure you’re not buying a stolen car. Today’s thieves are “re-vinning” vehicles with fake VIN numbers to sell cars closer to home, where unsuspecting buyers are unaware that their “new” car is actually a stolen vehicle..

If your car is stolen, follow these steps:

• Contact the police: Provide them with your vehicle’s make, model, color, and VIN. The sooner you report the theft, the better the chances of recovery.
• Notify your insurance company: File a claim and provide them with all the necessary details. This can help expedite the process if your car is recovered or if you need to seek compensation.
• Inform your local vehicle registration authority: They can help keep an eye out for any suspicious activity related to your car.
• Check for any unauthorized transactions: If your car was stolen with your personal information inside, monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity.
• Spread the word: Share information about your stolen vehicle on social media and local community boards to increase the chances of someone spotting it.