Auto theft continues to plague Canadians, especially when it comes to electronic auto theft as more vehicles are equipped with technology like push-button starts, says Équité Association, a new, independent, not-for-profit group aimed at combatting insurance fraud. 

Also on the wish list for auto thieves are many high-end SUVs, which continue to be stolen for export as well as stolen vehicles which are given false vehicle identification numbers and sold to unsuspecting consumers.

Auto theft a serious threat to public safety 

“Regardless of the type of vehicle, auto theft is a serious threat to public safety and continues to affect our local communities coast to coast and crosses international borders,” said Bryan Gast, Vice President, Investigative Services, Équité Association. “The vehicles being stolen are commodity-based money laundering; where they’re being exchanged to fund organized crime and terrorism.” 

The most stolen vehicles include Ford’s 2018 F150/F250/F350 and F450 series of pickups, as well as the 2018 Honda CR-V series of SUVs. 

Taking third spot is the 2005 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/ Sierra 1500/ 2000/ 3500 series. 

Also on the list are the 2019 Dodge / Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500 series; the 2017 Lexus RX350 / RX450 Series; the 2019 Honda Civic series; followed by the 2019 Toyota Highlander series. 

Équité Association was conceived by the insurance industry to integrate cross-insurer data analytics operations with investigative services as a centralized effort to combat insurance fraud.