A chilling trend is sweeping across Canada, and your vehicle could be next. New data reveals the most targeted cars by thieves, painting a stark picture of escalating auto crime and increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 now top the list of most stolen vehicles in both Ontario and the nation, with a staggering 1,309 CR-Vs and RAV4s vanishing in Ontario alone last year. The 2024 model of the RAV4 proved particularly attractive to thieves, while the 2020 CR-V was the preferred target nationally.
But these aren’t the only vehicles at risk. The Dodge Ram 1500 Series consistently ranks high, with 1,159 stolen in Ontario and over 2,000 across Canada. The 2022 Ram was the model year most frequently targeted by thieves nationwide.
Rounding out the top ten in Ontario are the Honda Civic, Jeep Wrangler, Ford F150 Series, Toyota Tundra, Lexus RX Series, Toyota Highlander, and Land Rover Range Rover. Across Canada, the Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series also makes a significant appearance, revealing a broad range of vehicles under threat.
Experts warn that newer SUVs, particularly those with keyless entry systems, are especially vulnerable. These vehicles are prime targets for organized crime, operating with alarming efficiency in provinces like Quebec and Ontario.
However, a surprising twist emerges when looking at the Silverado/Sierra 1500. Thieves overwhelmingly targeted the 2006 model year, making it the oldest vehicle on the most-stolen list – a curious anomaly in the trend towards newer targets.
The situation isn’t improving. Investigators report a 47.5% surge in thefts of high-value luxury vehicles, indicating criminals are focusing on maximizing profits as law enforcement efforts intensify. This shift suggests a growing desperation and willingness to take greater risks.
Beyond simple theft, the report reveals a disturbing evolution in criminal tactics. Stolen vehicles are increasingly being “re-VINed” – given new vehicle identification numbers for resale – or dismantled in illegal chop shops for parts. This complex operation fuels a lucrative black market.
Despite a 19% decrease in auto theft nationwide, the financial burden remains immense, costing Canadians over $1 billion annually. The emotional toll on victims, however, is immeasurable, leaving lasting scars beyond the financial loss.
According to investigators, organized crime groups are using auto theft as a significant funding source, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of this escalating crisis. While early signs of progress are emerging, the fight against auto theft is far from over.
Bryan Gast, a national vice president of investigative services, emphasizes that criminal networks are not slowing down, but rather adapting their strategies. The Toyota RAV4’s rise to the top of the list is a clear indication of this relentless pursuit of profit.
