The Toronto Police Service Public Safety Data Portal reported a total of 9,570 auto vehicle thefts in the region. This number has decreased since 2023, when it reached its highest point since 2014, at 12,501.
West Humber-Clairville is the neighbourhood with the highest number of reported thefts related to automobiles, with 658 incidents. These higher numbers can impact Toronto car insurance costs for drivers.
The data makes it clear that thieves are not operating at random. There is a clear trend indicating that specific makes and models are disproportionately targeted, often due to their value, demand for parts, or ease of theft.
Topping the list of most frequently stolen vehicles was the Honda CR-V with 654 reported thefts. Following closely were two other popular models: the Lexus RX 350 (418 thefts) and the Honda Civic (260 thefts).
This information highlights the importance of understanding these risks when choosing a vehicle and taking extra precautions if you own one of the targeted models.
| Vehicle | Number of Thefts |
|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | 654 |
| Lexus Rx350 | 418 |
| Honda Civic | 260 |
| Land Rover Range Rover | 225 |
| Toyota Highlander | 200 |
| Ford F150 | 176 |
| Honda Accord | 145 |
| Toyota Corolla | 123 |
| Toyota Rav4 | 70 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 62 |
While national reports suggest a drop in auto thefts across Canada for the first half of 2025, police in York Region are working to ensure that trend continues locally.
York Regional Police (YRP) announced the launch of their third annual anti-auto theft initiative: Operation Auto Guard 3.0. This campaign employs a multi-pronged approach that involves strategic enforcement, community engagement, and public education on key crime prevention tactics.
The operation will continue to use sophisticated data analysis to identify and target local theft hotspots. Police enforcement and educational resources are being strategically deployed to these areas, with the south end of the region already highlighted as a primary area of focus.
The proactive measures taken by YRP are working.
From January 1 to September 1, 2025, York Region experienced a significant 34 percent reduction in vehicle thefts compared to the same period in 2024. This follows last year’s successful campaign (Operation Auto Guard 2.0), which reported a 31 per cent decline in vehicle thefts compared to 2023.
The campaign also builds upon previous successes in dismantling major theft rings. In 2024, Operation Auto Guard 2.0 resulted in:
The campaign's initial effort focused heavily on disrupting organized crime groups responsible for stealing and shipping vehicles overseas. That year, police recovered 80 vehicles worth over $5 million and charged 56 people with more than 300 offences.
To further enhance their efforts, YRP has recently implemented modern surveillance technology, including CCTVs and automatic license plate readers (ALPRs).
These tools, in conjunction with collaboration with partners such as Équité and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), are crucial in helping police anticipate and prevent vehicle thefts.
For more information on the risks in Canada and how to protect your vehicle, explore our resources on the most stolen cars in Canada, effective car anti-theft devices, how car theft affects your insurance, and the best car theft prevention tips.
| Categories | Industry NewsAuto |
|---|---|
| Tags | NewsAuto Theft and Security |
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