Auto Theft Down 17 Percent Across Canada So Far in 2024

While 2022 and 2023 were record years for auto theft in Canada, some encouraging numbers were released today by Équité Association, which specializes in insurance crime and fraud prevention

According to the nonprofit organization’s First Half of 2024 Auto Theft Trend Report, 17 percent fewer vehicles were stolen across the country during the first six months of the year compared to the same period in 2023.

• Also: Canada is Facing Scourge of Rising Car Thefts
• Also: Canada Now Has a National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft

These positive national results come on the heels of recent joint efforts by the federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies, the Canada Border Service Agency and the insurance industry to fight auto theft.

“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, Investigative Services, Équité Association. “The momentum established in the first half of 2024 has been critical in identifying impactful solutions. Public Safety Canada’s leadership in hosting the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft, and their subsequent National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft have been significant contributors.”

Gast believes these collective efforts are starting to reduce auto theft and the financial flow into organized crime, reversing the concerning trends of recent years. 

Trends By Region

Quebec led the way in the first half of 2024 with a 36 percent decrease in auto theft trends, while Ontario achieved a reduction of 14 percent. Unsurprisingly, SUVs continue to be the top targets of car thieves in both provinces.

Elsewhere in Canada, the report by Équité Association shows that auto theft is down 5 percent in Alberta so far this year. Pickups remain the most stolen category of vehicles over there.

On the flip side, there’s been an increase of 11 percent in the Maritimes, possibly due to the strong measures to combat auto theft in Ontario and Quebec, forcing thieves to other provinces. Passenger cars from the 2010-2016 model years top the list of the most stolen vehicles in the four Atlantic Canada provinces.

“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. “Several auto manufacturers have registered anti-theft technology patents. By utilizing simple and effective technology that has already been developed and patented, manufacturers have the ability, right now, to mitigate vehicle theft and prioritize public safety.”