Top 10 stolen vehicles in Canada

Quelqu'un force une serrure de voiture

Do you own an SUV? Uh-oh! They’re one of the most stolen types of vehicles in Canada.   Which specific models are the most sought after by criminals? Is your car at greater risk of theft? And what precautions should you take so that you don’t walk back to find your parking space empty? Let’s take a closer look.

Some stats in Canada

A vehicle was stolen every 5 minutes in 2022. An unprecedented hike of 48% in Ontario and 50% in Quebec. How many vehicles do you think will be stolen every day in Quebec in 2024? According to the Groupement des assureurs automobiles, about 14 compared to 29 in 2022!

Top 2022 list

Thieves seemed to be targeting American and Japanese models. Most of them are SUVs and 90% are recent models. Note: Thieves will target vehicles based on the year of the model.  However, models from other years are also on their radars.

Thieves target vehicles known for their reliability. They’re popular with drivers and are among the biggest sellers at dealerships.

Is your car on the top 10 list of vehicles coveted by thieves? 

  1. 2020 Honda CR-V
  2. 2022 Dodge RAM 1500 
  3. 2020 Ford 150
  4. 2020 Lexus RX
  5. 2021 Toyota Highlander 
  6. 2019 Honda Civic
  7. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 
  8. 2020 Land Rover Range Rover 
  9. 2006 Chevrolet / GMC / Silverado / Sierra 1500 
  10. 2021 Jeep Wrangler 

How can you prevent auto theft?

How can you protect your vehicle from thieves?  Now that the latest technology is installed in our vehicles, you need to take preventive measures to deter theft.  But staying vigilant is your best bet.

Less than a minute

That’s how fast it takes to steal your vehicle. Thieves can unlock your vehicle’s doors with the latest high-tech gadgets installed in newer cars. A “well-oiled” modus operandi.

Before leaving your vehicle, make sure that everything is locked – Doors, trunk, sunroof, you can never be too careful.

Always keep your key with you and never in your vehicle – You reduce the risk of having your electronic key cloned. Store it in a Faraday box at home. The further away you keep it from where it’s parked, the better.

Try parking in a well-lit, busy area – Avoid dark, isolated spots where it will be easier for thieves to take off with your vehicle. Park you car in the garage rather than on the street. Have two cars? Park the less expensive one so that it blocks access to the more expensive vehicle.

Install a vehicle tracking system – In the event of theft, it can track and locate your car. Make it visible to deter thieves.

Use an anti-theft locking bar as a steering wheel “blocker” –  This method may seem a bit clunky, but it’s effective in dissuading would-be thieves. Or at the very least, slow them down.

Install security cameras or motion detectors – The alarm system will be triggered if anyone gets too close to your vehicle. Another way to deter thieves.

Hide anything that might pique a thief’s interest – Electronic devices, cell phone wires, insurance certificates, car registration, coins… Keep everything out of sight.

Put the odds in your favour

Shopping for a car? If so, now you know whether the model you’re interested in made the top 10 list of stolen vehicles. This is certainly worth considering when looking into your new car, as insurers may require anti-theft marking or the installation of a tracking system. It’s on you to weigh the risks. It’s also up to you to take the usual precautions to discourage thieves. In the meantime, enjoy shopping for that new car!

To learn more

Read our article on having your electronic key cloned.