The rising tide of auto theft, it’s time to pay attention

Every five to six minutes a vehicle is stolen in Canada, according to Équité Association, a national organization working diligently on reducing and preventing insurance fraud and related crime.

The Pandemic Connection

You or someone you know may even have fallen victim to this alarming statistic. During the pandemic when new car, truck and SUV production was at a virtual standstill and the supply chain for car parts was in distress for months, the value of existing vehicles rose sharply, especially overseas.

In 2022, Canada’s private auto insurance companies paid out their highest ever amount in theft claims, a whopping $1.2 billion. On top of that the costs associated with auto theft are far-reaching – law enforcement, court costs, along with physical and emotional consequences, for example.

Why should everyone care?

Inflation and affordability issues put a strain on consumers’ budgets, and it’s important to understand why rising auto theft affects everyone, not only as a personal insurance issue but also of public safety.

There are several reasons why stolen vehicles are desirable. They can be taken to the nearest port city to be put into containers for overseas buyers, who will pay as much as double the Canadian-dollar value of a vehicle. They’re also resold on the Canadian market with fake VIN codes.

Is your car on the most stolen list?

For the latest list of Most and Least Stolen Vehicles, check out the annual report released by EquiteAssocation.com. You’ll also find information on what is being done about this rising crime rate by partnerships within the insurance industry, enforcement agencies, and manufacturers.

Who is involved in this initiative to reduce auto theft?

The province of Ontario has aligned with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Montreal and Halifax port authorities, and a list of shipping companies to spin a web of enforcement to curb this disturbing trend. Government, police, insurance companies and advocacy groups such as CAA and Équité Association, along with manufacturers and car owners are all charged with engaging to work together towards this end.

What can you do to help?

The list of suggestions is comprehensive, yet relatively simple.

1. Store your keys in an RFID blocking pouch or box
2. Make it a habit to lock your car whenever and wherever you park it
3. Remove valuables from your car
4. If you have a garage, make room to park your vehicle there, out of sight
5. Install a GPS tracking system to aid with recovery

CAA is your source for trusted information

CAA’s campaign entitled “The Keys are in Your Hands” aims to educate consumers about proactive measures to protect against car theft. Learn more at caaneo.ca/car-theft or visit CAA Magazine for related articles and videos.

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