Infographic: 2026 Canadian Auto Theft Impact Survey
Nearly three-quarters of Canadians believe advanced anti-theft technology should be mandatory in new vehicles, as confidence in existing vehicle security continues to erode, according to a new survey commissioned by Équité Association.
The 2026 Canadian Auto Theft Impact Survey, conducted by Angus Reid Forum on behalf of Équité, found that 72 per cent of Canadians believe effective anti-theft technology should come standard on new vehicles rather than be offered as an aftermarket option. Only 18 per cent believe today’s new vehicles are adequately protected against modern, technology-based theft methods.
The survey also found that more than one-third of Canadians have been personally affected by vehicle theft, while 64 per cent worry they could become victims. More than half of respondents (55 per cent) said organized crime’s evolving tactics remain a major concern, despite national vehicle theft declining 33 per cent since 2023, according to Équité data.
Bryan Gast, Équité’s National Vice-President of Intelligence and Investigations, said Canadians are looking beyond traditional theft prevention measures.
“The reality of modern auto theft is that locking your car door is no longer enough,” Gast said. “Organized crime has traded crowbars for technology-based theft such as key fob relay attacks and reprogramming to easily bypass a vehicle’s security system.”
The survey also found growing support for a coordinated response involving governments, automakers, law enforcement and vehicle owners, with 66 per cent of respondents saying collaboration is necessary to make meaningful progress.
Équité said it has urged Transport Canada to require cybersecurity testing for new vehicles through internationally recognized standards as part of proposed updates to the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. The organization argues mandatory cybersecurity requirements would better protect vehicles from increasingly sophisticated electronic theft techniques.
The survey was conducted online between June 1 and June 8, 2026, among 2,503 Canadian adults.
