AUTOMOTIVE
How to Avoid Auto Theft
Be proactive and protect your vehicle by following these practical recommendations from insurance professionals.
By Alexis Nicols
PHOTO: RM GRAPHICS/ADOBE STOCK
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.
Is Your Car on the List?
According to Équité Association, these were the most stolen cars of 2023 in Ontario.
Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles of 2023 Ranking by Number of Thefts
Shifting Gears in Ontario’s Battle with Vehicle Theft
Addressing the rise in frequency of vehicles being stolen, the province is taking action to reduce losses.
By Elliott Silverstein
PHOTO: RM GRAPHICS/ADOBE STOCK
AUTO THEFT CONTINUES to be a significant issue for Canadians, but 2024 marked a turning point on this national challenge. Canadians are more aware of the issue and how to protect their vehicles. While we continue to await reforms from the federal government to help curb auto theft we have seen successes, including the growing use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) tools that keep vehicles safe even as thieves persist. In 2024, Ontario emerged as a leader against auto theft, driving change and implementing measures to reduce occurrences by introducing an Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform. This provincial portfolio was created in response to the reality that auto theft incidents had escalated into a pressing public safety concern. Since the portfolio was established in August 2024, the Ontario government concentrated on addressing the rising rates of vehicle theft and reviewing bail reform for offenders. The rise in frequency prompted the government to prioritize public safety measures and community awareness campaigns. To date, Ontario’s strategy included enhancing support for law enforcement by providing additional resources and advanced technology to combat vehicle loss more effectively. The province has also explored harsher penalties for auto theft, such as lifetime driving bans for repeat offenders, and ensuring that the justice system adequately addresses the severity of these crimes. While the province’s commitment to addressing the issue has coincided with a modest decrease in vehicle thefts, providing a blueprint of effective prevention strategies for other provinces to follow is one of the many steps needed to properly and permanently curb this issue. The slight decline in auto thefts shows that our efforts are paying off, but the financial impact remains huge. It’s important not to lose focus. We continue to push for long-term measures to prevent auto theft and better protect our communities. Ontario’s achievements in helping reduce auto theft highlight the importance of coordinated efforts and community involvement. That includes drivers doing their part being proactive in safeguarding their vehicles, contributing to the prevention of losses. While the federal government suspended Parliament in early 2025 and Ontarians experienced a general election in February, efforts to combat auto theft and educate drivers continue. The successes in 2024 reinforce how everyone plays a role in addressing this challenging issue. Considerable steps have been taken to empower drivers, enhance public safety and develop the collaborative spirit that is needed to win the fight against auto theft. As new governments take shape, CAA is eager to continue its advocacy efforts and help pave the way towards a safer future for drivers across the country. CAA