Auto theft in Canada is a significant issue that can affect you anytime and anywhere. Imagine walking out of the store with groceries only to find your car is gone. Or, heading out the door to work only to find your car missing from your driveway. It’s not something you want to experience.
According to the federal government, auto theft is increasingly becoming a problem involving organized crime groups. Vehicles are being stolen and then shipped overseas. The proceeds from these thefts are used to fund other illegal activities, making the issue more alarming.
In February, the government announced new funding to combat vehicle theft, which is estimated to cost about $1 billion to Canadian insurance policyholders and taxpayers annually. They estimate that approximately 90,000 cars are stolen annually.
To address this growing threat, officials gathered at the 2024 National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft to discuss and create solutions. The national summit and the federal government’s $28-million funding announcement for the CBSA “sends a clear message that the federal government is listening and committed to reducing auto theft,” IBC said.
Here's a glimpse into Canada's solutions and initiatives to combat this issue.
You’ve likely heard about the increased rates of vehicles being stolen, seen the most stolen vehicles in Canada list shared online, or read about how vehicles are being exported or dismantled for their parts. Did you know catalytic converters can be worth $800 to $1200? Many vehicle thefts occur in Ontario and Quebec, with vehicles exported through the port of Montreal.
In February 2024, officials from provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, as well as industry leaders and law enforcement representatives from across Canada, gathered at the National Summit on Combating Auto Theft. The summit is part of the Government of Canada's efforts to combat serious and organized crime and ensure community safety.
The primary goal of the summit is to identify short, medium, and long-term actions to combat auto theft. It will also help to strengthen joint initiatives that are already underway. Federal officials state that Canada has robust laws in place to address auto theft at various stages of the crime, including the possession and trafficking of stolen property, and tampering with Vehicle Identification Numbers.
Moreover, the Criminal Code includes comprehensive measures to target organized crime, including specific offences and enhanced sentencing for violent acts, such as assault with a weapon.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reported that private auto insurers in Canada paid out a record-breaking $1.2 billion in theft claims in 2022. This amount is three times higher than what was paid out in 2018. The trend of increasing payouts continued in the first half of 2023.
Ontario alone saw a staggering 329% increase in auto theft claims during the same period. The province suffered losses of over $700 million, with the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) alone accounting for $500 million of these losses. The 905 belt, which includes Durham, Halton, and York, experienced a 500% increase in auto theft – needless to say, car theft is increasing auto insurance.
At the forum, the federal government also said it would be using existing tools at its disposal to help curb auto theft, which resulted in $ 1.2 billion worth of fraudulent insurance claims in 2023, per Équité, an industry organization with a mandate to prevent and reduce insurance fraud.
According to the Minister of Public Safety’s statement, these tools include:
Awareness, collaboration, policy development, education, and engagement with the public in anti-auto theft initiatives are all crucial components to lowering theft. Be sure to learn more about the most recommended anti-theft devices and car theft prevention tips.
Categories | Industry NewsAuto |
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Tags | NewsAuto Theft and Security |
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