Canada’s national authority on insurance crime and fraud prevention, Équité Association, has unveiled its annual ‘Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada’ for 2023. The Toyota Highlander has overtaken the Honda CR-V as the nation’s most stolen vehicle.
However, the top 10 list varies when viewed by region. For the entirety of Canada, the top five stolen vehicles include: Toyota Highlander, Dodge Ram 1500 Series, Honda CR-V (the 2022 favourite among thieves) and Toyota RAV 4, in that order.
In Alberta, the top five are dominated by pick-up truck models: Chevrolet/GMC Silverado Sierra 2500 Series, Chevrolet/GMC Silverado Sierra 1500 Series, Dodge Ram 1500 Series, Ford F350 Series, Ford F150 Series.
In the Atlantic region the top three stolen vehicles are trucks, but the fourth is a long-standing popular car with thieves, the Honda Civic. Here are the top five: Dodge Ram 1500 Series, Chevrolet/GMC Silverado Sierra 1500 Series, Ford F150 Series. Then the Civic, followed by the Honda CR-V.
In Ontario, the top stolen auto is a luxury SUV, the Lexus RX Series, followed by the Toyota Highlander, Dodge Ram 1500 Series, Honda CR-V and the Land Rover Range Rover Series.
In Quebec, the top five start with three economy models: Toyota RAV 4, Honda CR-V, Honda Civic. Then comes the Toyota Highlander and the Jeep Wrangler. Number six is the Dodge Ram 1500 series, a popular target among thieves right across the country.
There are also regional differences in the amount of vehicle theft. Between 2021-2023 auto theft increased 48.2% in Ontario, 57.9% in Quebec, 34% in Atlantic Canada, and 5.5% in Alberta, according to Équité.
To counter auto thefts across the country, Public Safety Canada announced its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft in May 2024, which signified a turning point in auto theft, says Équité. The efforts of provincial and federal governments and law enforcement agencies have resulted in a decrease in auto theft across Canada in 2024, the association says, but it insists “continued commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders is required to maintain this momentum.”
The association also says “solutions must evolve from focusing on the recovery of stolen vehicles to preventing vehicles from being stolen in the first place,” according to Terri O’Brien, president and CEO of Équité Association.
The association recommends what it calls a “layered approach” to vehicle-owners in trying to prevent theft.
The first layer involves simple steps, including:
- Keep your car doors locked at all times
- Never leave your keys in the ignition or start your vehicle remotely, even on cold days
- Ensure your windows are closed completely when leaving your car
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area and a secure garage if possible.
The second layer involves installing visible or audible anti-theft devices such as: audible alarms, steering column collars, steering wheel/brake pedal lock, an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port lock, brake and/or wheel locks, theft deterrent decals, identification markers in or on the vehicle, window etchings. And, if possible, turn off key FOB or place inside an RFID-blocking pouch such as a Faraday bag.
The third layer involves installing a quality vehicle immobilizer with an ignition disabler that protects against relay and reprogramming attacks. Though, the association notes that making alterations to your vehicle may affect the warranty. Owners are advised to contact manufacturer/dealer for more information prior to doing an installation.
The final layer is investing in a tracking system, which would include multiple, difficult-to-locate tracking devices throughout the vehicle. Again, owners are advised to look into the potential impact on the warranty.
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