Équité Association Releases its Annual Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada
Increasing theft for exportation, increasing exploitation of sophisticated technology by thieves, and high-end vehicle theft noted as key trends
Toronto, ON (Nov. 14, 2022) – The metropolitan areas of Toronto and Montreal are rich hunting grounds for organized auto theft crime rings that funnel stolen vehicles overseas to sell for profit. Each year, Équité Association releases its list of the Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles across the country. With Canada becoming a source country for the lucrative export trade in stolen vehicles, the Honda CR-V tops this year’s list.
Équité’s latest analysis highlights the following trends in vehicle thefts: all high-end vehicles, regardless of manufacturer, are targets, including pick-up trucks, SUVs, and luxury cars. Thieves continue to exploit technology through relay attacks and connecting to the on-board diagnostic port, which enables them to reprogram key fobs; and organized crime networks are stealing vehicles in greater volume for export internationally, with Montreal being the principal exit port for stolen vehicles.
Regional comparisons of thefts by vehicle type
“Not only does auto theft cost Canadians millions of dollars each year, the proceeds of this illegal activity also fund organized crime and terrorism, both domestically and internationally,” says Bryan Gast, Vice President, Investigative Services, Équité Association. “Canadian property and casualty insurers are invested in finding solutions to the complex problem of auto theft and in helping to create safer communities for all Canadians. Équité Association is member funded and supported, which demonstrates the insurance industry’s commitment to tackling fraud and crime through partnerships, collaboration, and best-in-class data and analytics.”
New to this year’s list, Équité Association has released the number of vehicles insured, the number of thefts by vehicle model generation (years), and the rate at which they are stolen. While the Honda CR-V was Canada’s most stolen vehicle (with 4,117 thefts), the Lexus RX series had a higher theft percentage (6.4%) rate.
Not only is auto theft costly, it places a burden on our criminal justice system and creates undue personal and financial hardship for Canadians who have been a victim of this type of crime. Équité was established by the P&C insurance industry with a vision to be world class at reducing and preventing insurance crime and its impacts on honest, hardworking Canadians.
The Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada
Similar to previous years, all Top 10 lists are compiled using data from the year before.
Number
Make/Model
Model Generation (Years)
# of Vehicles Insured
# of Thefts
Theft %
Type
1
Honda CR-V
2016-2021
236,555
4,117
1.7 %
SUV
2
Lexus RX Series
2016-2021
34,560
2,202
6.4 %
SUV
3
Ford F150 Series
2015-2020
292,127
1,182
0.4 %
PU
4
Honda Civic
2016-2021
263,958
768
0.3 %
Car
5
Toyota Highlander
2013-2019
64,893
748
1.2 %
SUV
6
Ram 1500 Series
2011-2018
295,341
509
0.2 %
PU
7
Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500
1999-2006
71,078
410
0.6 %
PU
8
Honda Accord
2018-2021
28,692
372
1.3 %
Car
9
Jeep Grand Cherokee
2011-2020
85,528
346
0.4 %
SUV
10
Toyota RAV4
2013-2018
217,006
334
0.2 %
SUV
* Contains data licensed by Insurance Bureau of Canada.
Regional lists are available at www.equiteassociation.com/top-10-stolen-vehicles.
About Équité Association
As a not-for-profit, national organization, Équité Association supports Canadian insurers to fight fraud by using advanced analytics, intelligence best practices, and coordinated investigations. Combining expert investigative services and advanced analytics, Équité serves as a unified organization, delivering improved service and fraud analytics for vehicle, property, and cargo recovery. Leveraging relationships with law enforcement, partners and industry organizations, Équité serves as a centre point for insurance crime across all insurers, and is protecting Canadians by working to eradicate insurance fraud and crime. Équité, is invested in diminishing crime in Canada, and protecting all Canadians against exploitation. For more information, visit www.equiteassociation.com.
SOURCE: Équité Association
Tags: Équité Association, rankings, theft, vehicle theft
