These are the most commonly stolen vehicles in Canada

Dec 3 2019, 3:01 pm

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has released its annual list of Canada’s most frequently stolen vehicles, and the findings revealed that as technology in cars continues to evolve so have today’s thieves.

The IBC, which is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto, and business insurers, says “sophisticated” auto thieves are using technology to bypass security systems and electronically gain access to Canadians’ vehicles.

Every year, auto theft costs Canadians close to $1 billion, which includes $542 million for insurers to fix or replace stole vehicles, $250 million in police, health care, and court systems, and millions more for correctional services.

“Electronic auto theft is on the rise across the country as more vehicles are equipped with technology like keyless entry fobs,” said Bryan Gast, National Director of Investigative Services, IBC.

“Regardless of how a vehicle is stolen, auto theft is a serious threat to Public Safety and continues to cost all Canadians.”

According to IBC, in 2019, nine of the most commonly stolen vehicles don’t have ignition immobilizers, which are devices that can prevent thieves from hot-wiring a vehicle.

The most commonly stolen vehicles of the year are as follows:

  1. Ford 350SD AWD 2007
  2. Ford 350SD AWD 2006
  3. Ford 350SD AWD 2005
  4. Ford 350SD AWD 2004
  5. Ford 250SD AWD 2006
  6. Ford 350SD AWD 2003
  7. Lexus RX350/RX350L/RX450h/RX450hL 4DR AWD 2018
  8. Ford F250 SD 4WD 2005
  9. Ford F350 SD 4AWD 2002
  10. Honda Civic Si 2DR Coupe 1998

IBC says the lack of an ignition immobilizer is the number one reason this series of Ford trucks continues to take up the majority of spots on the list.

How to protect yourself:

To help eliminate auto theft, IBC says motorists can keep their vehicles safe by taking the following steps:

  • Never leave a vehicle running when unattended.
  • Lock the doors and close all windows when parked.
  • Make sure to park in well-lit areas or in the garage.
  • Use a visible or audible device that shows thieves a vehicle is protected.
  • Consider using a deterrent like a steering wheel or brake pedal lock.
  • Don’t leave personal information, like insurance and ownership documents, in the glove box when parked.

IBC’s Top 10 Stolen Vehicles list is compiled using data from IBC’s member companies across the country.

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