Decline in Vehicle Thefts in Canada: A Promising Trend
Vehicle thefts in Canada have shown a significant decline in 2024, marking a reversal of the worrying uptick in recent years. According to a new report by the non-profit Équité Association, there has been a 17 percent national decrease in auto thefts during the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This positive trend is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the insurance industry.
The decline in vehicle thefts can be largely credited to increased investments, heightened public awareness, and improved information-sharing among stakeholders. Bryan Gast, Vice President of Investigative Services at Équité Association, expressed cautious optimism about the new data. “I’m not suggesting that we’ve resolved the auto theft crisis in Canada, but it is promising to see that a lot of the efforts that have been put into place over the last year or so are showing positive signs,” Gast told Global News.
Over the past year, significant measures have been taken to address the auto theft issue in Canada. A national summit on combatting auto theft was held in Ottawa in February, where various stakeholders gathered to formulate strategies. Following the summit, the federal government unveiled an action plan in May, which included several measures and funding allocations. The plan also featured changes to the Criminal Code, introducing stiffer penalties and new offences targeting car thieves and the devices they use.
Gast highlighted that many efforts are focusing on tackling organized crime groups involved in vehicle theft. “The goal is to continue applying pressure and resources to see a decline in auto theft over a longer period,” he said. One area of focus is making vehicles harder to steal in the first place, which remains a critical aspect of the ongoing efforts.
According to the Équité report, the most commonly stolen vehicles in Canada this year include 8,398 pickup trucks, 7,539 cars, and 1,448 vans. Among the provinces, Quebec has witnessed the sharpest drop in vehicle thefts at 36 percent, followed by Ontario, where thefts have decreased by 14 percent year-over-year.
Public awareness campaigns and technological advancements have played a pivotal role in reducing vehicle thefts. Information-sharing platforms and collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the insurance industry have improved tracking and recovery rates. Gast noted that not only have thefts decreased, but recoveries have also increased, indicating a comprehensive approach to tackling the issue.
Despite the promising decline, challenges remain. Continued efforts are needed to sustain and further reduce vehicle thefts across the country. Gast emphasized the importance of ongoing pressure and resource allocation to combat organized crime groups and enhance vehicle security measures. “One of the areas that still needs to be worked on is making the vehicle harder to steal in the first place,” he reiterated.
The decline in vehicle thefts in Canada is a positive development, reflecting the concerted efforts of various stakeholders. While there is optimism, the fight against auto theft is far from over. Continuous efforts, innovative solutions, and public cooperation will be essential in sustaining and furthering this positive trend.