BC’s strategy in the national battle against auto theft is working, but vigilance is required
Montreal, Québec, September 2021: Port of Montreal railway terminal.
In May, the federal government announced a National Action Plan on Combating Auto Theft, signaling a step towards addressing this escalating problem across Canada. The measures include several provisions the government had already announced and some that are currently being worked into budget legislation in Parliament.
The plan includes legislative changes such as harsher penalties for crimes linked to violence, organized crime, and money laundering, and a renewed emphasis on the importance of intelligence sharing among municipal, provincial, federal, and international law enforcement agencies.
The Federal Government also allocated $28 million to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to enhance its capabilities in inspecting shipping containers, a crucial step in intercepting stolen vehicles before they leave our ports.
This in particular is quite significant in light of recent comments from INTERPOL, who said that Canada is a “key source country for stolen motor vehicles, in part given its large supply of sought-after high value models such as SUVs and crossovers.” INTERPOL added that Canada is now one of the top ten sources for stolen vehicles out of the 137 countries sharing data.
Auto-theft in Canada led to more than $1.5 billion in insurance costs in 2023, the second year in a row the figure has surpassed the $1 billion mark.
Auto theft remains a nationwide issue, however British Columbia has seen notable successes in reducing these crimes, Auto theft rates in BC have decreased significantly from their peak in the early 2000s, when the province was notorious for high auto theft rates, with an average of 88 cars stolen daily in 2003. Today, that number has dropped by 75 per cent.
The latest available Statistics Canada figures (2022) show our province had the lowest per capita rate of auto theft among this country’s larger provinces. In fact, only Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland & Labrador were lower. The data for individual cities showed a theft rate per 100,000 of 137 in Vancouver — compared to 330 in Toronto and 471 in Montreal.
BC’s relative success is in no small part due to the efforts of the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT) and coordinated efforts with other local law enforcement agencies.
The data for individual cities showed a theft rate per 100,000 of 137 in Vancouver — compared to 330 in Toronto and 471 in Montreal.
The IMPACT team’s strategies, such as the use of bait cars and tracking technology in vehicles, play a substantial role in BC’s fight against auto theft — and why this province is faring better than some other provinces even when considering BC’s three major shipping ports.
However, this doesn’t mean we can rest easy — especially as the Eastern provinces crack down harder. Thefts in Eastern Canada are high-tech in which electronics are hacked so the vehicles can be stolen, new key fobs created then they’re shipped overseas. That’s not happening to the same extent in Western Canada, but it may only be a matter of time — so owners need to be aware of how and why these newer vehicles are being stolen.
Partnerships between local law enforcement and provincial and national task forces will need to strengthen and grow — collaboration is key to winning the fight against auto-theft.
New car dealers have an essential role to play in this ongoing battle by continuing to educate consumers about the importance of safeguarding vehicles. Simple measures such as locking cars, using steering wheel locks, and using tracking devices or immobilizers can significantly reduce the risk of theft.
We must also support and engage with law enforcement and policymakers to ensure that the national action plan translates into tangible, real-world results. The federal government’s initiative is a promising start, but sustained efforts and collaboration at all levels will be critical to making a lasting impact. By working together, staying informed, and taking proactive steps, we can help protect our communities and turn the tide against vehicle theft in Canada.
