Vehicle theft in Canada is a serious concern. According to Interpol, Canada is a key source country for stolen motor vehicles. This is in part due to Canada’s large supply of high-value models such as SUVs and crossovers. Many of the stolen vehicles are shipped to the Middle East and West Africa, where they are then traded or re-sold. Once stolen and placed into a shipping container, it's very difficult for vehicles to be tracked and recovered. This makes preventing car theft and increasing vehicle security all that more important.
Putting that into numbers: According to IBC, between 2018 and 2023, auto theft claims costs have increased significantly across the country:
- Nationally, auto theft claims costs increased by 254%
- In 2023, auto theft losses amounted to over $1.5 billion, an increase of nearly 20 per cent from 2022
- While the crisis is most significant in Ontario, where auto theft claims costs increased by 524% between 2018 and 2023, it is very much a national issue
Key takeaways
- Certain makes and models are more attractive to thieves. However, no matter what type of vehicle you own, it’s important to follow with anti-theft precautions.
- Invest in anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, car alarms and GPS tracking systems.
- If your car is stolen, first report the theft to the police and then your insurance company immediately. Quick action, along with having comprehensive insurance coverage and an approved vehicle recovery device installed in your vehicle, can increase the chances of recovering your vehicle and minimize financial loss.
Seven steps to prevent vehicle theft
Car thieves - and not owners - should be held accountable for car theft. If your car is stolen, you are a victim of a crime. Vehicles in Canada are stolen with a few different intentions:
- To be chopped and sold as parts
- To be re-vinned and sold to unsuspecting Canadian buyers
- To be exported immediately to countries that covet the high-end SUVs and pickup trucks
- To be used to commit another crime
We want to equip vehicle owners to protect their valuable possessions. So, let’s look at some car theft prevention best practices you can follow to hinder the objectives of car thieves.
1. Choose the make/model of your vehicle carefully
When it comes to car theft, certain makes/models that car thieves covet more than others. According to Investigative Services at Équité, these were the most stolen vehicle makes/models in Canada in 2022:
- Honda CR-V
- Dodge RAM 1500 Series
- Ford F150 Series
- Lexus RX Series
- Toyota Highlander
- Honda Civic
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
- Jeep Wrangler
On the flip side, here’s the ranked list of the least stolen vehicles in Canada in 2022:
- Chevrolet Volt
- Kia Niro 5DR
- Cadillac XT5
- Buick Envision
- Mini Cooper Countryman
- Volvo XC90
- Volkswagen Beetle
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Mazda Mazda2
Knowing the theft risk for your specific vehicle can help you take targeted precautions, but it’s worth emphasizing that any vehicle can be stolen. Even if your vehicle’s make or model is on the least stolen list, it’s important to follow with anti-theft precautions.
2. Use anti-theft devices like a steering wheel lock
Investing in anti-theft devices can be a highly effective deterrent against car theft. Steering wheel locks, car alarms and immobilizers make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle. Additionally, it may also act as a strong visual theft deterrent. Once a potential thief can see your vehicle is equipped with a steering wheel lock, they may decide not to even bother with your vehicle.
Data port locks are another anti-theft system that prevent thieves from reprogramming your vehicle and increase your car security. The bonus of a data port lock is once you install it, you can forget about it.
3. Park smart
Where you park your car can significantly impact its risk of being stolen. Always choose well-lit and secure parking areas and utilize garages whenever possible, especially for overnight parking. Avoid parking in isolated or poorly lit areas, as these are prime targets for thieves.
4. Be cautious with your keys
Always keep your keys with you and never leave them in the car, even if you are just stepping away for a moment. Avoid hiding spare keys in obvious places (under the sun visor or in glove compartments), as experienced thieves know where to look.
Once you’re home, consider where your keys are routinely kept. It may feel natural to drop them on a hallway table near your home entrance. However, keys close to the front door can be within range for thieves to use a computer to copy your key and steal your vehicle. Additionally, if your front door is open or unlocked, they’re within easy reach.
Instead, store keys in an aluminum or metal box, which blocks the radio signals that thieves may use to steal your vehicle.
5. Keep your valuables out of sight
So far, we’ve assumed the target of a car theft is the car itself, but thieves may also be attracted to visible valuables in a car. Here are some common valuables you should always keep out of sight:
- Luggage and bags: Whether you’re traveling or just carrying a gym bag, thieves might assume these contain valuable items.
- Shopping bags: Especially those from high-end stores, as they signal expensive purchases.
- Electronics: Laptops, tablets and smartphones are prime targets. Even small gadgets like GPS units, chargers and headphones can be enticing. Devices like work laptops can also contain sensitive information about your workplace that might be valuable to thieves.
- Cameras and photography equipment: These items are valuable and easily pawned or resold.
- Sporting goods: Items like golf clubs, fishing gear and bicycles can be quite costly.
- Personal items: Wallets, purses and jewellery should never be left in plain sight. Cash and credit cards should be kept with you at all times.
- Work equipment: Tools, briefcases and other work-related items can attract thieves.
Store items in the trunk or glove compartment to keep them out of sight. For SUVs and hatchbacks, using cargo covers or privacy screens can help conceal your belongings. These covers create a barrier that prevents passersby from seeing what’s inside your vehicle, reducing the risk of vehicle thefts.
6. Use your vehicle’s built-in security features
If you’re making several short stops, it can be easy to become a little looser about basic security: Even if you are only leaving your car for a short period, always lock your doors and windows.
Thieves can be opportunistic and on the lookout for easy targets. An unlocked car presents an open invitation. This simple habit can significantly reduce the risk of theft, whether you are parked at home, at work or running errands.
In a similar vein, a well-maintained car alarm can deter potential thieves by drawing attention to their actions. Regularly check that your alarm system is operational and responsive. If your car didn’t come with an alarm, consider having one installed. Modern alarm systems offer various features such as impact sensors and remote notifications that can further enhance security.
7. Additional technology
Modern technology offers several tools to help protect your car from theft. Some of these may be built into your car, but some can be added. By utilizing these advanced solutions, you can significantly enhance your vehicle's security and increase the chances of recovery if it is stolen.
- Smartphone apps have revolutionized vehicle security, providing real-time tracking and monitoring of your car. These apps allow you to keep an eye on your vehicle’s location, receive alerts if it moves unexpectedly and even remotely lock or unlock your car.
- Dash cameras are not only useful for recording driving incidents but also serve as a deterrent against theft. Modern dash cameras come equipped with motion detection, which can record any suspicious activity around your car when it is parked. These cameras provide valuable evidence in case of an attempted theft or vandalism.
- A kill switch is an additional security measure that disrupts the fuel or electrical system, preventing the car from starting. This simple yet effective device can stop thieves in their tracks. Kill switches can be installed discreetly, making them difficult for a car thief to locate and disable.
- Vehicle tracking systems, often GPS-based, are designed to help locate your car if it is stolen. Radio subscriptions, such as satellite radio, may also have tracking capabilities. These systems provide real-time location data to law enforcement, increasing the chances of recovery. Advanced tracking systems offer additional features such as:
- Tamper alerts: Notify you if the tracking device is being tampered with.
- Movement alerts: Alert you if the car is moved without authorization.
- Battery backup: Ensure continuous tracking even if the car’s battery is disconnected.
- Tag and KYCS recovery systems for vehicle tracking: The Tag recovery system works by hiding several small Tag devices throughout the car that can’t be seen from the outside. These devices work better than GPS tracking because Tag vehicle tracking doesn’t rely on cell signals – which can be blocked by thieves. A small Tag logo is etched on the driver and passenger side windows and serves as a deterrent for thieves that recognize Tag as a highly effective car tracking device. Learn more here.
The KYCS Locate recovery device is compact (roughly the size of a deck of cards). The tracking system remains off for most of the day and only comes on once every 24 hours to transmit its location data. It is not a GPS device, so not even high-tech radio frequency scanners can spot its presence.
It is easy to install and provides real-time location data through the Locate platform and mobile app.
By leveraging these technological advancements, you can significantly enhance your car’s security and deter potential thieves. Combining these tools with other preventive measures creates a robust defense system to protect your valuable asset.
What to do if your car is stolen
If your car is stolen, it is important to act quickly:
- Report the theft to the police immediately and make a full stolen vehicle report
- Contact and inform your insurance company of the theft
- Provide all necessary documentation and information, such as your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number and any distinguishing features of your car
Quick action can increase the chances of recovering your vehicle.
Having the right auto insurance coverage can provide financial protection in case of theft. Comprehensive coverage includes protection against car theft. When choosing an auto insurance policy, consider options that cover theft and offer additional benefits like rental reimbursement. Preventive measures like theft recovery devices are required in certain provinces (like Quebec) and in others can also lead to lower insurance premiums, as insurers often offer discounts for cars equipped with advanced security features.
Protecting your vehicle can not only provide peace of mind but can also lead to savings on your insurance premiums. Contact your insurance representative today to discuss coverage options and additional preventive measures.
