Car theft is on the rise all across Canada. With car owners trying to keep their assets protected, it is important to be more aware of the statistics on car theft in Canada so that you may make an informed decision and be more cautious. Car theft amounted to $1.2 billion in Canada in 2022, which has sounded alarm bells in car owners and law enforcement alike.

While any car is prone to being stolen, there are some cars that have proven to be hot targets for car thieves as highlighted by Équité Association (Équité). This blog talks about which cars rank at the top of the list on most stolen vehicles and the implications of that as well.

Why Some Cars Are Stolen More Than Others

Car theft varies significantly among all the various makes and models. It may seem intuitive to assume that only high value cars would be stolen, however, the reality is that mid-range cars are at the top of the list most stolen vehicles across Canada. A number of reasons could be why that is so, which are listed below:

Canada Most Stolen cars
Top most stolen vehicles in Canada

Popularity And Demand

Some cars that are more in demand and offer a higher resale value are more prone to be stolen. This includes cars such as the Honda CR-V, the Honda Civic, Toyota RAV-4. These cars are not only sold in greater numbers so there are more of them on the road, but also are in high demand which makes them lucrative and easier to sell for thieves.

Security Features And Tracking Technology

Cars that come without added security features such as alarm systems, immobilizers or tracking systems are more vulnerable to theft. This is specific for certain older models which do not offer the latest development in technology and the associated features that can prevent theft.

Vehicle Type

Whether stolen vehicles to sell as is or for parts, vehicle type impacts the vulnerability of a car of being stolen. In areas where SUVs and trucks are more in demand, they are more prone to be stolen.

Location

Depending on where the car is parked, it can be more susceptible to being stolen. For instance, in 2023, Pearson Airport alone reported 410 vehicle thefts from their garages. Parking cars at the airport amounts to “a buffet” to the car thieves as described by one of the victims of car theft at the Pearson Airport.

Time and Conditions

Depending on where they are parked, the time of the day and even the season, certain cars are at a greater risk of being stolen. For instance, SUVs and trucks are more prone to theft during the winter, specifically considering the Canadian weather, while smaller cars, sedans and convertibles are more prone if the weather is nicer outside.

The Insurance Impact of Vehicle Theft In Canada

Toronto police states that car theft has risen 27% in the city, while Équité puts the entire Ontario at an increase of 48% and Quebec at an alarming 50%. Car theft can be a traumatic experience for the owner as well as a massive inconvenience and financial burden. Here are a few implications of car theft and why you should be taking it more seriously:

Higher Insurance Costs

The major impact of car theft falls on insurance costs. Considering that certain vehicles are stolen more than others, insurance costs for these cars have seen an uptick of more than 25% over the past two years. Insurers in Canada paid out $1.5 billion for car theft claims in 2023 alone, and have now started shifting those costs to the consumer.

Surcharge On Insurance

With the increasing insurance claims of car theft, certain insurers have started charging a $500 surcharge on “high-risk” models, with the charge going up to $1500 at times for certain models in certain cities of Canada. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) urges customers to purchase anti-theft devices for their cars to bring down or entirely remove these surcharges.

Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada in 2024

Rank Make/Model Model Year Number of Thefts Theft Frequency Type
1 Honda CR-V 2020 2,684 1.2% SUV
2 Lexus RX Series 2020 1,707 3.0% SUV
3 Dodge RAM 1500 Series 2022 1,405 0.7% Truck
4 Toyota Highlander 2021 1,225 2.2% SUV
5 Land Rover Range Rover 2020 1,225 5.9% SUV
6 Ford F150 Series 2020 901 0.4% Truck
7 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2021 766 1.6% SUV
8 Jeep Wrangler 2021 689 1.1% SUV
9 Honda Civic 2019 630 0.2% Sedan
10 Acura RDX 2021 459 1.2% SUV

 

Based on data from various law enforcement agencies and vehicle registration statistics, the following vehicles are among the most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada 2024:

  • Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V is one of Canada’s top-selling vehicles, making it a prime target for thieves. Due to its popularity, it can be sold as-is or for parts. Since many of the stolen Honda CR-Vs are older models, they are easier to steal and lack modern security features.

  • 2. Dodge Ram 1500 Series: Similar to the Ford and Chevrolet trucks, the Dodge Ram is a popular vehicle choice and valuable when sold in the aftermarket, making it an attractive target for thieves.

  • 3. Ford F-150 Series: The Ford F-Series trucks are incredibly popular across Canada. They are often stolen for their parts or to be resold. Their large size and ruggedness make them appealing for various uses, increasing their theft risk.

  • 4. Lexus RX Series: The Lexus RX series of SUVs offers luxury, comfort, and also fetches a higher resale value for car parts as well as the used car market, making it a lucrative steal for car thieves.

  • 5. Toyota Highlander: This mid-size SUV is popular among families and has a high resale value. Thieves often target the Highlander due to its demand in both the used vehicle market and for parts.

  • 6. Honda Civic: The Honda Civic has long been a favorite among Canadian drivers and remains a top target for theft. Older models, in particular, are frequently targeted due to their simplicity and ease of access.

  • Jeep Grand Cherokee: A large SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is known for its off-road capability and its ability to brave the Canadian winter. It is versatile enough to become a family car and a good off-roader, which is why it is a target for car thieves.

  • 8. Range Rover: The Range Rover combines luxury with utility. It is also a famous car brand that fetches higher resale prices in the used car market. This desirability makes it a prime target for car thieves.

  • 9. Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series: Like the Ford F-Series, the Chevrolet Silverado is a highly sought-after truck in Canada. Thieves often steal these vehicles for their parts or to use for work, as they are less likely to attract attention than other stolen vehicles.

  • 10. Jeep Wrangler: A highly sought-after vehicle, known for its ruggedness, off-road capabilities, and distinctive style. Its popularity makes it an attractive target for thieves.

Preventing Vehicle Theft: Tips for Car Owners

With car theft on the rise, implementing effective anti-theft measures is essential. According to The Globe and Mail, a car is stolen every six minutes in Canada. Learn more about protecting your vehicle Here are steps you can take to secure your vehicles from theft:

Parking Behind Physical Barriers

Start by keeping vehicles behind physical barriers such as gates, garage doors, fences, or bollards. This makes it more challenging for thieves to access the car, requiring them to cut through fences or break locks, thus consuming time and effort. Blocking exit aisles with parked cars increases the time needed for a thief to escape, allowing your security system to respond more effectively.

Keyless Car Theft Protection Devices

Modern thieves can exploit key fob frequencies to gain access to cars. To counter this, store car keys in a Faraday box to block signals. Additionally, installing fuel pump disablers can prevent the car from starting, even if a thief manages to gain access.

Anti-Car-Theft Devices

Utilize devices like wheel locks and steering wheel locks. Deterrents such as wheel boots immobilize the vehicle, while shields protect against catalytic converter theft, which has increased significantly in recent years.

CCTV Cameras and Alarm Systems

Installing security cameras to monitor your vehicles is the first step to protecting your assets. These systems can raise alarms with motion detection and detect glass breaking, alerting you and law enforcement of potential thefts.

Modern alarm systems can notify both the police and your security company of any anomalies. They can be programmed with multiple triggers to alert you of threats to your property.

24/7 Remote Video Surveillance

Remote video surveillance offers constant monitoring, providing peace of mind about your vehicles. This is especially beneficial for businesses like car dealerships or shipping/truck yards looking to enhance security.

New Efforts to Combat Auto Theft in Canada

According to Global News, auto theft in Canada dropped by 19% in the first half of 2024, with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepting nearly 2,000 stolen vehicles.

Transport Minister Anita Anand highlighted the success of the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, which involved new measures such as enhanced scanning technology, data analytics, and cooperation between the CBSA and provincial police forces. This collective effort also led to the recovery of nearly 600 stolen vehicles from the Port of Montreal in April.

Despite these gains, IBC data showed that the value of auto theft claims remains historically high. Although car theft claims dropped by 29% in 2024 compared to the previous year, the issue of organized crime and vehicle theft remains a significant concern. Manufacturers are now collaborating with the federal government to establish anti-theft standards by 2025.

Looking For The Right Security Service Provider To Protect Your Business In Canada?

With over 20 years of experience in the security industry, serving businesses from various industries, Spotter Security knows the ins and outs of security to keep you safe. With the increasing crime rates, specifically car thefts in Canada, it is better to seek professional advice on how to better protect your assets so you do not end up regretting it later on.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a call. We will first understand your needs and then help you find the best security solution—keeping your budget and the most effective security trends in mind.

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Written by : Carlo Di Leo

At the age of 24, with no experience in the security industry or any money in the bank, Carlo quit his job and started Spotter Security from his parent's basement. Founded in 2004, Spotter grew from a single man operation into a multi-million dollar security system integrator that caters to businessess and construction sites across Canada.

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