The number of vehicles stolen in Canada dropped by 19.1 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. When compared with the first six months of 2023, the decrease is even more striking—down 32.7 per cent. 

Équité Association released its semi-annual report on national vehicle theft trends on July 28. Following a peak in 2023, when 34,338 passenger vehicles were reported stolen in the first six months of the year, the figure dropped to 28,549 in the first half of 2024 and to 23,094 in 2025. 

The report highlights significant decreases in Ontario and Quebec, the two provinces that had the highest vehicle theft rates from 2021 to 2023.

Passenger vehicles include sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, wagons, pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans. 

Investigators from Équité Association report that criminal networks collaborating with specialized chop shops for export markets appear to be shifting their focus to Alberta. The pattern mirrors what was previously seen in Ontario and Quebec. 

These shops are reassigning stolen vehicles with new Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). Newer, high-end vehicles are being targeted for export, as evidenced by vehicles from Alberta recovered at the Port of Montreal. 

In Ontario and Quebec, investigators note that chop shop activity now also includes dismantling stolen vehicles for parts, which are then shipped to international markets. 

The report ties this development to the ongoing trade war initiated by the United States government, which has impacted the automotive and steel industries. In this context, the black market for used and after-market auto parts has become increasingly lucrative for criminal organizations. 

Vehicle recovery rates improving 

Équité Association’s report also points to an improvement in vehicle recovery rates. In the first half of 2025, 56.5 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered, up from 53.1 per cent in the same period of 2024. 

This brings the recovery rate closer to the level seen in the first half of 2021, when it reached 57.2 per cent. At the peak of Canada’s auto theft crisis in 2023, the rate had fallen to 50.9 per cent. 

Recovery rates increased in all regions except Western Canada.

New anti-theft standard proposed 

In a mid-July release, Équité Association announced that a Canada—U.S. advisory committee has recommended adopting a joint standard for automotive theft prevention systems. 

Once approved by Transport Canada, the ULC 338 standard would apply to both OEM and aftermarket vehicle theft deterrent equipment and systems, including electronic immobilizers. 

The report states that “this unified modern standard will deter thieves from stealing vehicles and provide clarity and confidence to manufacturers, installers, and consumers.” 

Stolen vehicles intercepted at the border 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) updates its figures monthly on the number of stolen vehicles intercepted and detained by border officers. 

The CBSA reports it follows up on 100 per cent of police requests to prevent stolen vehicles from leaving the country. The following table presents the number of vehicles detained across all transportation modes.