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August 1, 2024 by Adam Malik
Image credit: Depositphotos.com
After years of soaring auto theft rates, Canada is finally seeing a decline. The latest report from Équité Association, the national group for insurance crime, found a 17 per cent drop in auto theft during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The group credited the significant decrease in thefts as being the result of the combined efforts of the insurance industry, federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Despite this early success, the association emphasize the need for continued vigilance to sustain this downward trend.
“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,” said Bryan Gast, vice president of investigative services at Équité Association. “The momentum established in the first half of 2024 has been critical in identifying impactful solutions.”
Public Safety Canada’s National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft and the subsequent National Action Plan have played pivotal roles in these positive developments, the group highlighted. However, it noted that ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure the safety of Canadian communities and prevent future vehicle thefts.
Regional Trends
Focus on Prevention
“To continue the national decrease in auto theft, there must be a shift from recovering stolen vehicles to preventing vehicles from being stolen in the first place,” said Terri O’Brien, president and CEO of Équité Association. She highlighted the role of auto manufacturers in utilizing existing anti-theft technologies to enhance vehicle security.
New standards, such as the UL Standards & Engagement’s (ULSE) updated Standard for Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems, offer a roadmap for manufacturers to incorporate effective anti-theft devices in all new vehicles.
While the early 2024 decline in auto theft is encouraging, Équité Association stressed that continued collaboration and innovation are essential to maintain and build on this progress.
Auto theft declines in Canada
Image credit: Depositphotos.com
After years of soaring auto theft rates, Canada is finally seeing a decline. The latest report from Équité Association, the national group for insurance crime, found a 17 per cent drop in auto theft during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The group credited the significant decrease in thefts as being the result of the combined efforts of the insurance industry, federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Despite this early success, the association emphasize the need for continued vigilance to sustain this downward trend.
“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,” said Bryan Gast, vice president of investigative services at Équité Association. “The momentum established in the first half of 2024 has been critical in identifying impactful solutions.”
Public Safety Canada’s National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft and the subsequent National Action Plan have played pivotal roles in these positive developments, the group highlighted. However, it noted that ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure the safety of Canadian communities and prevent future vehicle thefts.
Regional Trends
- Ontario and Quebec: Both provinces reported the most substantial declines, with Ontario down 14 per cent and Quebec down 36 per cent. SUVs remain the most targeted vehicles.
- Alberta: Experienced a 5 per cent decrease in auto thefts, with trucks being the primary targets.
- Atlantic Canada: Saw an 11 per cent increase, likely due to heightened anti-theft measures in Ontario and Quebec pushing thieves to other regions. Cars from model years 2010-2016 are the most stolen category.
Focus on Prevention
“To continue the national decrease in auto theft, there must be a shift from recovering stolen vehicles to preventing vehicles from being stolen in the first place,” said Terri O’Brien, president and CEO of Équité Association. She highlighted the role of auto manufacturers in utilizing existing anti-theft technologies to enhance vehicle security.
New standards, such as the UL Standards & Engagement’s (ULSE) updated Standard for Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems, offer a roadmap for manufacturers to incorporate effective anti-theft devices in all new vehicles.
While the early 2024 decline in auto theft is encouraging, Équité Association stressed that continued collaboration and innovation are essential to maintain and build on this progress.
