Auto theft on decline in first half of 2024

By HUB SmartCoverage Team on August 29th, 2024

Efforts to combat auto theft appear to be paying off.

The first six months of 2024 showed a decrease of 17 per cent compared to the same period in 2023, Équité Association reports in its First Half of 2024: Auto Theft Trend Report.

The report, which tracks from January to June, highlights that provinces with historically high auto theft rates saw the most significant drop. Notably, the decrease experienced in Ontario and Quebec has resulted in a ripple effect across Canada, with Alberta also on the decline as stolen vehicles often move to ports for export.

But the industry fraud prevention organization warns more needs to be done to see theft fully abate.

“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, Équité Association’s Vice President of Investigative Services, in a press release.

“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.

“These collective efforts are starting to reduce auto theft and the financial flow into organized crime, reversing the concerning trends of recent years. However, to truly ensure the safety of Canadian communities, will require a sustained commitment towards preventing vehicle theft altogether.”

Regional trends

The report reveals a decline in:

Ontario and Quebec: The first half of 2024 saw the most significant decreases in auto theft, with Ontario down 14 per cent and Quebec down 36 per cent. SUVs continue to be the most popular category of vehicle stolen in both provinces.
Alberta: Auto theft decreased by 5 per cent. Trucks remain the most stolen category of vehicle.
Atlantic Canada: Auto theft increased by 11 per cent, likely due to the strong measures to combat auto theft in Ontario and Quebec, forcing thieves to other provinces. Cars (sedans, coupes, hatchbacks and wagons) model years 2010-2016, are the most stolen category of vehicle.

“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 Chief Executive Officer 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.”

Auto manufacturers can move to prevent auto theft by installing updated and modernized anti-theft safety devices in all new vehicles based on a set of current North American standards already vetted by the auto industry.

While the early 2024 decrease is promising, auto theft remains a complex issue that requires collaboration to achieve theft prevention, Équité noted in a press release. It says it is committed to harnessing the collective strength of its members, law enforcement and government leaders to continue to build on the momentum to combat Canada’s auto theft crisis.

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