Here are Canada’s top 10 most stolen vehicles, Équité Association
by CM Staff
The not-for-profit group says crime rings are stealing cars for exportation, using increasingly sophisticated technology to steal high-end vehicles.
Regional comparisons of thefts by vehicle type (CNW Group/Équité Association)
TORONTO — Équité Association’s latest analysis indicates that Toronto and Montreal represent rich hunting grounds for organized auto theft, the fruits of which often result in illegal exportation of stolen vehicles for sale overseas.
This year’s top 10 most stolen vehicles according to the association are as follows:
- Honda CR-V
- Lexus RX-Series
- Ford F 150 Series
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Highlander
- Ram 1500 Series
- Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500
- Honda Accord
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Toyota RAV4
Équité says Canada is becoming a “source country” for the lucrative export trade in stolen vehicles.
The group’s research has revealed that all high-end vehicles are targets regardless of manufacturer. Popular models for theft include 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. Organized crime networks are stealing vehicles in greater volume for export internationally, with Montreal being the principal exit port for stolen vehicles.
“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, in a statement.
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 per cent) rate.
