Honda CRV Tops List of Top Stolen Vehicles in Canada

Thunder Bay – For many people, their second largest purchase is their vehicle. Thieves are targeting vehicles across the country. In some cases, specific and popular vehicles, especially in larger urban settings are targeted by criminals for shipment out of the country.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada says that, “Electronic theft from your own driveway, high-end vehicles stolen for shipment overseas, and the growing trend of street racing are three themes IBC identified as it compiled the latest list of top 10 stolen vehicles across Canada”.

Electronic auto theft is on the rise across the country as more vehicles are equipped with technology like keyless entry remotes. Many high-end SUVs continue to be stolen for export. IBC is also seeing cases where stolen vehicles are being given false vehicle identification numbers and sold to unsuspecting consumers. In addition, there’s a growing trend, especially during the pandemic, in dangerous activities such as street racing and illegal gatherings for drifting events, providing a market for stolen small, speedy vehicles.

“Thieves have many motives. This year’s top 10 list confirms some key trends in auto theft that we are now seeing. Regardless of how a vehicle is stolen, auto theft is a serious threat to public safety and continues to cost all Canadians,” said Bryan Gast, National Director, Investigative Services, IBC.

2020 List of Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in Canada

Regional lists are available on ibc.ca

Regional Insights

• In Alberta, Ford F-series and Dodge Ram trucks are the most popular vehicles to steal. These trucks are attractive to thieves, and oil and gas companies have used them almost exclusively, which has brought a disproportionately high amount of them to the province. In addition, the 2007 and earlier models were easy to steal because many did not have theft-deterrent devices installed.
• In Ontario, Lexus and Honda vehicles dominate the list. Some were stolen for export by organized crime groups, while others have been identified in street racing rings. In Project Seagull in Hamilton, Ontario, high-end vehicles were being stolen and “chopped” for parts that thieves sold on the black market.
• In Atlantic Canada, the Chevrolet Silverado is the most-stolen vehicle. Typically, vehicles like these are targets for export to foreign countries.

What can you do?

TAKE A PREVENTIVE APPROACH

• Never leave your keys in the ignition, even for a quick stop at a convenience store.
• Never leave valuable objects in plain view. Hide them inside your vehicle before you leave home.
• Park your car in safe, well-lit, high-traffic areas.
• Roll up the windows and lock the doors when you are not in your vehicle.
• Avoid hiding a spare set of keys in a small magnetic box under your vehicle.
• When parking your vehicle, block your wheels by turning them to one side and use the hand brake. This will make towing your vehicle more difficult for thieves.
• Do not keep any personal information in your car, such as your address or phone number. Always keep your registration, driver’s license, and proof of insurance on you.