Canada’s Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in 2019

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) released its annual list of Canada’s most frequently stolen vehicles, which is compiled using data from its members across the country. No surprise the Ford F-Series trucks topped the list again. These light- and medium-duty trucks are popular with auto thieves across Canada.

What is being stolen?

Once again, Ford F250 and F350 trucks from the 2000s topped the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s annual ranking of the most stolen vehicles in Canada. In 2019, Ford pickup trucks took up eight of the top 10 spots on the list with the 2007 Ford F-350 claiming the unenviable title of most stolen vehicle for the year.

It’s unsurprising news for anyone who has been following the IBC’s annual ranking, which is based on insurance claims data collected from “nearly all” automobile insurance companies in Canada. Ford pickup trucks have consistently dominated the list since it began in 2003.

When are vehicles stolen?

New Year’s Day is the most common time for vehicles to be stolen. Since people tend to travel over the holidays in cars filled with gifts, it is important to be vigilant and keep a close watch on your vehicle over the festive season. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) in the United States reports that vehicles are frequently stolen around the holidays.

Why are they being stolen?

Stolen vehicles are often immediately packed and smuggled out of the country to be sold for many times more than their original value. Sometimes, thieves steal vehicles and are given false VIN numbers and sold to unsuspecting consumers. Thieves also steal cars to get somewhere or to be used to commit another crime. Stolen vehicles used to commit other crimes are often recovered – abandoned and badly damaged.

Who is behind auto theft?

IBC’s theft analysts suspect that many vehicles are targeted as part of a trade-based money laundering scheme. Often, organized crime rings commit auto thefts, and the proceeds are used to fund criminal activities.

The low recovery rate of stolen vehicles indicates the involvement of organized crime and that stolen vehicles are being exported from Canadian ports and border cities. According to the Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada, organized crime groups involved in vehicle-related crime operate primarily out of Montreal and Toronto.

Vehicles being stolen

Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in Canada

1. 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

Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in Ontario

1. 1. 2014 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT 4DR 4WD
   2. 2018 LEXUS RX350/RX350L/RX450h/RX450hL 4DR AWD
   3. 2011 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT 4DR 4WD
   4. 2005 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD
   5. 2016 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER 4DR 4WD
   6. 2002 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD
   7. 2004 CHEVROLET/GMC SUBURBAN/YUKON XL 1500 4DR 4WD
   8. 2006 CHEVROLET/GMC SILVERADO/SIERRA 2500 4WD
   9. 2005 CHEVROLET/GMC SUBURBAN/YUKON XL 1500 4DR 4WD
   10. 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD

For the full list, visit IBC.ca

Every December since 2003, IBC has published an annual list of the top 10 stolen vehicles in Canada. The statistics IBC publishes are wholly based on actual insurance claims data collected from nearly all automobile insurance companies in Canada. These companies write almost all of the automobile insurance in the country.

IBC represents more than 90% of the non-government home, vehicle and business insurance companies across Canada. It is highly regarded as a provider of automobile insurance rating information.