Electronic theft from your own driveway, high-end vehicles stolen for shipment overseas, and the growing trend of street racing are three themes the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) identified as it compiled the latest list of top 10 stolen vehicles across Canada.
The IBC points out that more and more vehicles are equipped with technology like keyless entry and start, thus increasing electronic auto theft. In some cases, stolen vehicles are being given false vehicle identification numbers and sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Also, with less traffic on the road due to pandemic-related lockdowns and remote work, there’s a growing trend in dangerous activities such as street racing and illegal gatherings, providing a market for stolen small, speedy cars.
“Regardless of how a vehicle is stolen, auto theft is a serious threat to public safety and continues to cost all Canadians,” said Bryan Gast, National Director, Investigative Services, IBC.
Each year, auto theft costs Canadians close to $1 billion when you consider insurance claims, police, health care and court system costs, and correctional services.
While Honda CR-V models rank first and third among the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada in 2020, a regional breakdown reveals that Ford and Ram pickups are still the primary target of thieves in Alberta, Lexus and Honda vehicles are more popular in Ontario, and the Chevrolet Silverado is the most sought-after vehicle in Atlantic Canada.
Go to the next page to see the full top 10…