Auto theft on the decline in 2024

Efforts to reduce auto theft across Canada seem to be paying off. 

National auto theft trends decreased by 17% in the first half of 2024 compared to the year prior, Équité Association reports.  

“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,” Équité wrote in its latest report. 

Though these trends are mostly positive, the industry fraud prevention organization warns more needs to be done to see theft fully abate.  

“We’re seeing some early signs of progress in cracking down on auto theft thanks to the measures implemented, but there’s no room for complacency,” says Bryan Gast, Équité Association’s vice president of investigative services.  

 

Regional trends 

Ontario and Quebec saw the most significant decreases in auto theft trends, with Ontario down 14% and Quebec down 36%. SUVs continue to be the most popular category of stolen vehicles in both provinces. 

Équité Association credits this downward trend to ‘strong collaboration’ between law enforcement, CBSA and government stakeholders. 

SUVs continue to be the most popular type of vehicle theft, with 5,532 stolen in Ontario and 2,816 stolen in Quebec. Passenger cars follow second in both provinces, with 3,414 stolen in Ontario and 1,050 in Quebec. 

The decrease seen in Ontario and Quebec has also caused a shift in other provinces, Équité says. 

On one hand, theft in Western Canada decreased 10%, and 5% in Alberta.  

“There is a ripple effect happening, as vehicles stolen for export in Alberta are primarily exported out of the Port of Montreal. Additionally, the awareness of auto theft and the work that law enforcement is doing to prevent auto theft in the province is having a positive impact,” the organization says.

“Alberta is also on the decline as stolen vehicles often transit through to the ports for export.” 

Trucks are the most stolen category of vehicle out west (3,593) followed by cars (2,692) and SUVs (2,546). 

On the other hand, vehicle theft increased in Atlantic Canada by 11% in 2024. 

That’s because strong measures to combat theft in Ontario and Quebec have forced thieves to look toward other provinces, Équité says.  

Cars (sedans, coupes, hatchbacks and wagons) made between 2010-2016, are the most stolen category of vehicle in the Atlantic provinces, with 383 stolen thus far in 2024. 

 

Feature image by iStock/PraewBlackWhile