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On November 19, we announced the Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada of 2023, which revealed the Toyota Highlander as the new number one. The Toyota Highlander is a popular model in Canada, which is globally serviceable and has a high resale value both domestically and internationally so criminals can maximize their profits from the illegal sale.
The trends continue to be similar to last year with preferences for newer models with nearly all of the vehicles on the national list being 2019 or newer. These vehicles tend to have vulnerabilities that come with keyless ignitions, particularly as they do not come equipped with anti-theft devices aligned to the ULC 338 Anti-theft Standards.
Additionally, there is a shift in preferences for organized vehicle theft, noting the decline of the Ford F-150 series and the rise of the Toyota RAV4, suggesting demand towards more fuel-efficient SUVs.
We Must Focus on Theft Prevention Through Updated Standards
In order to sustainably address the auto theft crisis in Canada, solutions must focus on preventing vehicles from being stolen in the first place. The federal and provincial governments have already committed hundreds of millions of dollars in investments to respond to the auto theft crisis, much of which is primarily focused on solutions after vehicles are stolen. By utilizing simple and effective technology that has already been developed and patented, manufacturers have the ability to help prevent vehicles from being stolen.
Vehicle manufacturers can help prevent auto theft by proactively building to an updated anti-theft safety standard. The current theft prevention standards included in Canada's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (CMVSS) are outdated, with thieves being able to steal a vehicle using new technology in as little as 15-20 seconds. In 2007, when CMVSS standards where adopted, considerations were not given to keyless entry and remote start technology. Auto manufacturers should install effective anti-theft safety devices in all new vehicles as outlined in the UL Standards & Engagement’s (ULSE) recently updated Standard for Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems: Electronic Immobilization, CAN/ULC 338 Second Edition.
The current standards should be updated to mandate the new CAN/ULC338 standard as it takes into account:
Preventing Re-VINs is a Key Component in Combating Auto Theft
Re-VINing is happening across the country, and is a significant issue in Alberta. With the increasing number of re-VINed and cloned vehicles entering the market, the risk that unsuspecting Canadians may purchase a re-VINed vehicle is also higher.
The National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft outlines that provinces and territories should take steps to combat re-VINing, or the use of fraudulent vehicle registrations to re-sell stolen vehicles. This could include investments to enable comprehensive data sharing across jurisdictions through the existing Interprovincial Record Exchange (IRE).
Vehicle Theft Trends
According to trends reported in Équité Association’s First Half of 2024 Auto Theft Trend Report, national auto theft trends have started to show a decrease a decrease of 17% as compared to the same period in 2023. These positive national results are a testament to the collaborative efforts of the insurance industry, federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies, and Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) to reduce auto theft and disrupt the flow of funds to organized crime. Public Safety Canada’s leadership in hosting the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft in February of this year, and their subsequent National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, have been significant contributors.
As Équité looks to the future of sustainable auto theft prevention in Canada, we are especially focused on prevention activities through:
A Note on the Future
In 2024, we are beginning to see some early signs of progress in cracking down on auto theft thanks to the measures implemented, but there is no room for complacency. While the 2024 decrease in auto theft is a start, it requires continued focus and collaboration to achieve theft prevention.
Our theme for next year is ‘momentum is on our side’. Équité, alongside our members, law enforcement, government, and industry partners have already done tremendous work this year laying a foundation to identify, prevent and, ultimately, eradicate insurance crime, including auto theft. I see 2025 as an important opportunity to continue to solidify and grow our partnerships, build on the immense work started this year through the National Action Plan, and close gaps and vulnerabilities in existing regulations and policies.
Équité is committed to harnessing the collective strength of our stakeholders to continue to build on the momentum to combat Canada’s auto theft crisis.
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