‘Tis the season for an update on vehicle theft trends in Canada. Unfortunately, auto theft remains a significant issue for motorists across the country, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area and southern Ontario.

As in year’s past, certain makes and models are proving particularly vulnerable to being stolen. In 2023, thieves focused on both luxury brands and popular models, targeting vehicles with high resale value and valuable parts.

According to Équité Association, Canada’s national authority on insurance crime and fraud prevention, here are the top 10 most stolen cars in Canada:

• 2021 Toyota Highlander (3,414 reported stolen)
• 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Series (3,078)
• 2022 Lexus RX Series (3,037)
• 2021 Honda CR-V (2,988)
• 2021 Toyota RAV4 (2,690)
• 2019 Honda Civic (1,654)
• 2021 Jeep Wrangler (1,641)
• 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Series (1,533)
• 2023 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon /Tahoe Series (1,488)
• 2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series (1,383)

What are the Top 10 Stolen Vehicles by Theft Rate?

The figures above show the total number of reported thefts, but some vehicles are more common than others. To account for the different number of vehicles, theft rates are calculated based on how many vehicles are stolen versus how many of those makes/models are on the road.

1. 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Series (Theft Rate: 4.43%)
   Luxury vehicles are prime targets, and the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover, with a theft rate of 4.43%, tops the list. Its high value and desirability make it a favorite for thieves.
2. 2022 Lexus RX Series (Theft Rate: 3.15%)
   The Lexus RX Series, with its mix of luxury and performance, follows closely behind with a theft rate of 3.15%. The high resale value makes it a frequent target for thieves.
3. 2021 Toyota Highlander (Theft Rate: 2.76%)
   The Toyota Highlander, popular for its reliability and practicality, ranks third. With a theft rate of 2.76%, its broad appeal in the used car market makes it a top target.
4. 2023 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series (Theft Rate: 2.37%)
   Large SUVs like the 2023 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe are stolen for their power and resale value, as evidenced by their 2.37% theft rate.
5. 2021 Jeep Wrangler (Theft Rate: 1.16%)
   The rugged 2021 Jeep Wrangler, targeted for its off-road capabilities and valuable parts, has a theft rate of 1.16%.
6. 2021 Honda CR-V (Theft Rate: 0.61%)
   With a theft rate of 0.61%, the Honda CR-V is a popular and reliable choice, which makes it a frequent target for thieves who seek to profit from its resale value.
7. 2021 Toyota RAV4 (Theft Rate: 0.53%)
   The 2021 Toyota RAV4 ranks next with a 0.53% theft rate. Its dependability and popularity on Canadian roads make it a target for theft.
8. 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Series (Theft Rate: 0.59%)
   Pickup trucks like the 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Series are often targeted for their parts and high market demand, reflecting its 0.59% theft rate.
9. 2019 Honda Civic (Theft Rate: 0.24%)
   The 2019 Honda Civic, with a theft rate of 0.24%, is often stolen for parts like engines and wheels, which are in high demand.
10. 2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series (Theft Rate: 0.23%)
    Despite its age, the 2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra series remains a target due to its parts value and continued demand in the market.

Why Are These Vehicles Stolen?

There are a few variables that can make a vehicle more or less attractive to thieves.

• High Resale Value: Thieves target vehicles that are easily resold either for specific parts or as a whole vehicle.
• Easy to Steal: Some models are easier to bypass security features than others.
• Parts Demand: Popular models like the Honda Civic are targeted for their commonly used parts and valuable components.

How to Protect Your Vehicle

There are a few key tactics that vehicle owners can implement to help deter and prevent vehicle theft.

• Install Anti-Theft Devices: Steering wheel locks and alarms can deter thieves.
• Use GPS Tracking: Tracking devices can help recover stolen vehicles.
• Park in Secure Areas: Always park in well-lit and monitored locations.
• Protect Your Keys: Keep car keys secure and consider a faraday bag to prevent signal relay theft.

As vehicle theft in Canada remains an active concern for car owners, it’s important to stay informed about which cars are at higher risk and why. Taking security precautions can help you better protect your vehicle from being added to the growing list of statistics.

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Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in car insurance, home insurance, small business, and commercial insurance. Staebler brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Wellington County, Perth County, Waterloo Region, the Greater Toronto Area, Golden Horseshoe, and the rest of beautiful Ontario. Get a Quote to get started today.