In Canada, the Honda CRV and Dodge Ram were the most frequently most Stolen vehicles in 2023. The number and variety of cars on the list of the top ten stolen vehicles in Canada, as released by the Equité Association, is unbelievable!
If you are curious about the most stolen vehicles in Canada 2023, why they were stolen, how to prevent your car from being stolen in 2024, and other helpful techniques, this article is for you!
First, let’s have a look at the list of the top 10 cars stolen from Canada in 2023.
Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada 2023
We cannot help but wonder how the thieves were able to take so many cars when we look at the above table! Many details are revealed if we decipher the table, including:
Why do thieves prefer SUVs and trucks over other car models?
Mainly because they are very popular among Canadian drivers, you see quite a lot of them on the streets and their parts are in high demand across Canada.
On the streets of the downtown area, one can witness a great deal of SUVs, including Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. They are in high demand; in 2022, 55% of all vehicles sold in Canada were SUVs.
In Ontario, trucks are widely used for construction, other commercial activities, and the transportation of goods. One of the best-selling and most stolen trucks in Alberta and Ontario is the Ford F-series.
What are the top brands of cars stolen in 2023?
Upon examining the top brands, Honda, Dodge Ram, and Ford emerged as the most stolen vehicles in Canada 2023. Particularly their 2020 models, which notably were not electric cars.
These brands are likely prime targets for car thieves due to the ease with which their relay switch can be disabled.
Why was Honda the most stolen Vehicles in Canada 2023?
In 2023, Hondas were among the most commonly stolen cars in Canada. This is likely due to the high demand for Honda parts, which leads to theft and subsequent sale of the parts at premium prices.
The fact that Honda models’ catalytic converters are more accessible to thieves than those of many other vehicles is another significant factor in Honda theft.
Let’s have a quick look at why were so many cars stolen:
Why were so many cars stolen in Canada in 2023?
Organized criminal activities:
Reports from criminal intelligence services highlight a significant rise in organized gangs engaging in criminal auto theft.
Additionally, areas with higher crime rates might have an increased demand for stolen vehicles or their components in illicit markets.
To sell auto parts separately:
Stolen cars are either shipped abroad for resale or dismantled into individual parts for separate sales. This poses a significant challenge, especially in fighting the illicit trade of auto parts such as catalytic converters.
To use stolen vehicles for other crimes:
Stolen vehicles often serve as tools for additional criminal activities, such as break-ins and robberies.
Their versatility in aiding other crimes makes them appealing targets for thieves because, even if they are caught, they can simply leave the car and escape with the looted items.
For resale in other countries:
Some individuals involved in organized crime networks engage in smuggling stolen vehicles overseas, capitalizing on their high resale value in countries where these models are not readily available for purchase.
It is simple to load up SUVs and trucks with ease and ship them overseas. This international aspect adds another layer of complexity to the issue of car theft.
Major cities facing vehicle theft in Canada 2023
Most stolen vehicles in Alberta in 2023:
While auto theft is a national epidemic in Canada a report by Équité association shows pick up vans and SUVs as the hot targets in Alberta.
Alberta reveals a unique trend in vehicle thefts, emphasizing a preference for stolen trucks.
Older models like the Ford F-350 from 1997 to 2007 are particularly sought after, with their prevalence in farming communities contributing to this distinctive trend.
The higher resale value of auto parts further fuels the allure of these older truck models.
Most stolen vehicles in Ontario in 2023:
The list highlights SUVs and trucks to be the most stolen vehicles in Ontario in 2023. The thieves know what they are aiming for, so it is not a random theft.
Most likely, a theft from an organized crime group is concentrated on the cars of their choice, especially the larger and newer models!
The Honda CR-V seems to be a popular target due to its widespread presence on the road, global serviceability, and high demand for its easily obtainable parts.
The most stolen cars in Quebec in 2023:
The report stated that 2,688 Honda CR-Vs were stolen in Quebec. In 2023, SUVs, trucks and sedans were on the top 10 list stolen from Quebec.
What techniques are thieves using to steal vehicles?
Car theft is incredibly quick and simple; a Globe and Mail report shows that one car is stolen in Canada every six minutes! There have been 8,000 car thefts in Toronto alone, and not just expensive vehicles are at risk.
The methods employed by thieves are diverse, happening in daylight from condo garages and parking lots. A report by CTV News Toronto shows more than 130 Dodge Rams were stolen in York region alone in one night in 2023.
They have become easy targets, whether they are parked in lonely driveways or in busy areas such as airports.
Thieves employ various techniques, including relay attacks and reprogramming thefts, making it imperative for car owners to take precautions such as using Faraday pouches or metal boxes to protect key fobs.
Regardless of their perceived value, all vehicles in the era of push-button keyless entry are vulnerable to theft, so everyone must take the following security measures.
What to do if your vehicle is stolen:
If your vehicle is stolen, refrain from attempting to recover it personally. Avoid pursuing the thief yourself, especially considering the potential risk of them being armed. It is advisable to prioritize your safety by promptly contacting the police.
Additionally, if your vehicle is equipped with tracking devices, promptly inform the tracking company after notifying the authorities.
How to protect your vehicle from getting stolen in 2024!
You can protect your vehicle by adding extra layers of security to your vehicles and make it difficult for thieves to steal.
Brian Gast, Vice President at the Équité Association and former police officer, recommends parking indoors, using security cameras, and employing vehicle tracking devices.
Here are some of the solutions to prevent theft of vehicles in 2024:
Hidden manual kill switch:
A hidden manual kill switch is an effective anti-theft device designed to enhance the security of a vehicle. You can easily hide it by concealing it in the vehicle’s interior. You can manually activate or deactivate it .
When engaged, the kill switch interrupts the connection in the ignition system, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized individuals to start the vehicle, even if they have the keys.
Steering wheel lock:
The steering wheel lock is another physical anti-theft device that manually locks the steering wheel.
However, determined thieves might circumvent it by severing the steering wheel using tools such as bolt cutters or a hacksaw.
Electronic vehicle immobilizer:
Electronic vehicle immobilizers are factory-installed security features that prevent the engine from starting without the correct key or key fob.
These immobilizers are handy in deterring hotwiring attempts, adding an extra layer of protection.
Hidden tracker:
Hidden trackers are security features that aren’t factory-installed, but you can place them in different locations within the vehicle.
These devices allow owners to track the location of their vehicle in the event of theft.
Fuel relay fuse:
The fuel relay fuse is a simple yet effective method of preventing the vehicle from starting. By removing the fuel relay fuse from the fuse box, you cut off the fuel supply to the engine. This action renders the vehicle immobile.
Potential Vulnerabilities:
It’s essential to be aware of potential vulnerabilities in anti-theft devices, as highlighted by the example of the steering wheel lock.
Manufacturers may emphasize the toughness of their products, but weaknesses in the components they lock onto can be exploited.
As technology advances, vehicle owners need to stay informed about the latest security features and potential vulnerabilities.
Ignition kill switches:
Ignition kill switches, often mounted under the dashboard, require the driver to activate a small button during the vehicle start-up process.
You may regularly change the position of the switch to enhance their effectiveness. This hidden mechanism adds an extra layer of security. It makes it challenging for thieves to start the vehicle without knowledge of the switch’s location.
Remote video monitoring:
Remote video monitoring uses strategically placed surveillance cameras to monitor and record activities. These cameras can be placed at condominiums, parking lots, auto dealerships, offices, etc.
The cameras, equipped with AI capabilities such as license plate recognition and intrusion detection, can swiftly detect security breaches and trigger an alarm.
As soon as the alarm is triggered at the remote live monitoring center, the remote operator accesses the live video feeds, intervenes via audio talk-downs, and deters the criminals.
Conclusion
The increased use of high-tech methods in vehicle thefts makes it crucial to use multiple layers of security to safeguard your vehicle.
In 2023, the most stolen vehicles in Canada highlight the importance of enhancing security measures to effectively protect against modern theft techniques.
Remote video surveillance introduces a proactive security approach through cameras equipped with AI capabilities. These technologies enable swift detection and immediate response to security breaches.
Contact us today to explore tailored security solutions for your vehicles across various industries in Canada.
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