How to Avoid Auto Theft

THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES in Canada are stolen annually, continuing to raise serious concerns for car owners. “Auto theft has decreased nationally by about 17 percent, but it’s still a major issue,” says Bryan Gast, vice-president of investigative services at Équité Association. This not-for-profit is the national authority on insurance crime and fraud prevention representing the property and casualty insurance industry. Ontario and Quebec remain hotbeds for theft, but rates are rising in Alberta, where high-end vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Lexus RX Series are now prime targets. Sophisticated keyless entry systems have created a vulnerability that’s being exploited by modern-day car thieves. Called relay theft, the electronic signal from your car’s fob can be captured, providing access to your automobile, no key required. Vehicles are no longer stolen for joy rides or chop shops, but for export or resale, notes Gast. The good news? A layered approach can help deter thieves. CAA Insurance offers these recommendations:

• Secure your parked vehicle with a wheel lock, brake pedal lock or steering wheel lock (e.g., The Club).
• Secure your car key fob by storing it in a Faraday box or pouch to prevent signal hacking.
• Consider a professionally installed after-market immobilizer — an electronic device that prevents a car from starting without the correct key or transponder. Certain immobilizers make it almost impossible to steal your car.
• Lock your doors (both car and home) and park your car inside if you have a garage.
• Enable or install multi-factor authentication capabilities in your vehicle.
• If you own multiple vehicles, park the less valuable one closer to the street.
• Install motion sensors and a camera on your driveway to capture any activity.
• Cover the vehicle identification number (VIN), so it’s not visible on the dashboard.
• Store a GPS tracker (e.g., AirTag) to track your vehicle should it be stolen.
• Ensure items are out of sight and do not leave valuables in your car.
• Always avoid leaving your vehicle unattended while it is running.
• CAA Insurance urges individuals to report any suspicious activity to police and avoid confrontation with thieves.

Do not attempt to recover your stolen vehicle yourself, warns Gast. Contact law enforcement instead. And although auto theft may never be eliminated entirely, a few preventative steps can still drastically reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen. CAA