17% decrease in stolen vehicles in Canada in first half of 2024

According to data released by Équité Association, the number of stolen vehicles dropped by 17 per cent in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year. 

In 2023, approximately 34,861 vehicles were stolen nationwide during the first half of the year, as reported by the organization in its mid-year Auto Theft Trend Report. In 2024, this number decreased to 28,550. 

A significant portion of this decline is attributable to Quebec, where the number of thefts reached 5,001 in the first six months of 2024. This represents a 36 per cent decrease compared to the 7,831 vehicles stolen in the first half of 2023. 

In Ontario, the region most affected by this type of crime, there was a 14 per cent decrease in the first half of 2024. The number of thefts dropped from 15,044 in 2023 to 12,949 in 2024 for the same period. 

"The auto theft crisis focused on densely populated areas within driving distance to the Port of Montreal," notes Équité Association in its report published on July 16 regarding first-half 2024 trends. 

Collaboration between Ontario and Quebec police forces, the Canada Border Services Agency, and federal government stakeholders is cited as the primary cause of this decrease, the report adds. 

National summit 

The national auto theft summit held on February 8, hosted by Public Safety Canada, likely contributed to deterring criminals, according to Équité Association. 

"However, to truly ensure the safety of Canadian communities, will require a sustained commitment towards preventing vehicle theft altogether," says Bryan Gast, Vice President of Investigative Services at Équité Association. 

In the western provinces, the reduction was 10 per cent. Équité Association highlights that the work done in Quebec and Ontario also positively impacted Alberta, where stolen vehicles were primarily exported from the Port of Montreal. Pickup trucks remain the most targeted type of vehicle by criminals in Alberta. 

In the four Atlantic provinces, there was an 11 per cent increase, reaching 1,000 vehicles stolen in the first half of 2024. Measures implemented in the hardest-hit regions elsewhere in the country forced thieves to turn to other provinces to continue their export business. 

Prevention 

In its mid-year report, the organization underlined that while the recovery rate of stolen vehicles is improving, more needs to be done in terms of prevention. 

On July 17, 2023, the second edition of the national standard, Vehicle theft deterrent equipment and systems: electronic immobilization system and aftermarket installation requirements, came into effect. 

At that time, Équité Association urged Transport Canada to modernize its regulations to compel manufacturers to comply with this CAN/ULC 338 standard. The federal motor vehicle safety regulation is outdated, Gast had said. 

Équité Association President Terri O’Brien reiterated the need for updated federal regulations. "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." 

Since May 21, Transport Canada has been consulting stakeholders on updating theft protection options for new vehicles. Proposals can be submitted until July 19, 2024. 

Équité Association is a non-profit organization supporting Canada's property and casualty insurers in combating fraud and crime.