Canada’s Most Stolen Vehicles in 2017
Every year, the Insurance Bureau of Canada releases a list of the most stolen vehicles in each province and Canada as a whole. “Between 2015 and 2016, Ontario has seen an overall increase of 1% in auto theft, with considerable variations and fluctuations right across the province.” said Kim Donaldson, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC.
This year’s list may or may not surprise you. Trucks and SUV’s once again top the lists with the 2015 Lexus GX460 taking the number one spot Canada wide for the most stolen vehicle. Ford pickup trucks and Toyota 4Runner SUV take their usual place amongst the lists in each provincial category as well as Canada wide.
Quoting Statistics Canada as the IBC source, Kim Donaldson noted that “Guelph, Ontario reported the largest auto theft activity increase in Canada at 49%. Windsor reported a 14% increase and St. Catharines experienced a 5% increase. Of Ontario’s two largest cities, Toronto reported a 4% increase while Ottawa experienced a 1% decline. Theft was also down 17% in Sudbury, 12% in Barrie and London, 9% in Kingston, and 1% in Peterborough and Hamilton. In Ontario, the rate of recovery for stolen vehicles increased to 60%, up 2 percent from last year.”
Cars are stolen for a number of reasons including being stolen to be shipped overseas and sold to consumers who don’t know they are buying a stolen car; chopped for parts; or used to commit another crime. However according to the IBC, in most auto thefts, the car is recovered.
“It takes less than a minute for a car thief to steal your vehicle. If you’ve gone to the trouble of buying a car that has a theft deterrent system, don’t make it easy for thieves by leaving the keys in the car,” added Donaldson.
Prevent Theft Before It Happens
Don’t make it easy for would-be thieves. Protect your vehicle by following these simple tips:
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even while driving
- When parked, never leave your keys in the car. Close and lock all doors and windows.
- Never leave your car running and unattended.
- Park in well-lit areas or a garage if possible
- Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle where they are in sight of passersby
- Don’t leave your ownership and insurance documents in the car. (If multiple drivers use the vehicle, the best suggestion would be to hide the documents in a secret location in the car that only the owners know)
Report Auto Theft
To report a vehicle theft, call your local police, IBC at 1-877-IBC-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 1‑800-222-TIPS. For more information about vehicle theft or insurance coverage speak to one of the knowledgeable brokers or visit www.rhodeswilliams.com.
Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles Across Canada and Ontario in 2017
Canada wide:
1. 2015 LEXUS GX460 4DR AWD SUV
2. 2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
3. 2006 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
4. 2005 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
5. 2001 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
6. 2003 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
7. 2004 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
8. 2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
9. 2002 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
10.2006 FORD F250 SD 4WD PU
Ontario:
1. 2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
2. 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
3. 2006 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD SUV
4. 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500 2WD PU
5. 2005 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD SUV
6. 2006 CHEVROLET/GMC SILVERADO/SIERRA 2500 4WD PU
7. 2003 HUMMER H2 4DR AWD SUV
8. 2002 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD SUV
9. 2014 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
10. 2005 BUICK/CHEV/GMC RAINIER/TRAILBLAZER/ENVOY 4DR 2WD SUV
For the full list of regional and national figures in 2017 and previous years, visit Top 10 Stolen Vehicles
SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada