Stop, thief! How to protect your car from being stolen
2 Minute Read
Summary
- Vehicle theft rates have increased across Canada, affecting a wider range of car models and locations.
- Modern vehicles are vulnerable to relay and signal‑based theft, partly due to outdated security standards.
- Practical deterrents include physical locks, secure key fob storage, and aftermarket immobilizers that reduce theft risk.
If you drive a Honda CR-V, Ford F-Series, or Dodge Ram 1500 Series vehicle, chances are you already know the statistic: your vehicle is among the top 10 most stolen vehicles of 2023.
And based on your location – in Ottawa, Toronto or Montreal – there’s an equally high chance you know at least one, if not several, people whose cars vanished overnight, most likely to turn up weeks later somewhere in Africa or the Middle East.
Nationally, car theft has hit crisis levels, with industry experts saying that claims exceeded $1.2 billion in 2022, a number expected to rise as claims from 2023 thefts are processed.
In Ottawa alone, the Ottawa Police Service reports an ongoing boom in car theft with 1,800 vehicles stolen last year, compared to 1,069 in 2021 and just 811 in 2000.
The result for consumers? More than just inconvenient, car theft and the resulting claims will affect premiums and car costs at a time when the price tag on new and used vehicles is rising, along with the cost of living.
The ongoing shortage of microchips and vehicle availability is intensifying the situation, making vehicle rentals and replacements both time-consuming and costly for consumers, with wait times for new vehicles sometimes exceeding a year. With interest rates remaining high, the cost of purchasing or leasing a new vehicle will further burden consumers.
“We all know someone who has either had their car stolen, sometimes multiple times, or we have tried to take measures to protect our property. For every tactic the average consumer must take, thieves seem to be one or two steps ahead,” says Jeff Walker, President & CEO of CAA North & East Ontario.
Technological advancements have far outpaced vehicle standards, which haven’t been updated in Canada since 2007, making it more difficult to reinforce technology-based solutions like immobilizers and to mandate their inclusion in new vehicles.
“Car theft is a highly competitive, organized crime business in Canada that impacts families, businesses and industry. The only way forward is a united effort by all levels of government, so that the burden to protect property and deal with the financial blow isn’t just left to motorists,” he says.
Preventive measures and tips for consumers
To help mitigate the risk of vehicle theft, CAA Insurance encourages drivers to take several practical precautions. Using a physical deterrent, such as a steering-wheel lock, brake pedal lock, or wheel lock like The Club, can make your vehicle more difficult to steal and discourage would-be thieves.
Protecting your vehicle’s keyless entry system is also important. Store your key fob in a Faraday box or pouch when not in use to block its signal and reduce the risk of electronic signal hacking. In addition, consider installing a professionally installed aftermarket immobilizer, which can prevent the engine from starting without proper authorization.
Everyday habits also play a role in theft prevention. Always lock your vehicle and your home, and park inside a garage whenever possible. If you own more than one vehicle, consider parking the less valuable one closer to the street. Installing motion sensors and a camera overlooking your driveway can further help deter theft and capture suspicious activity.
Other simple steps can add an extra layer of protection. Cover the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard so it is not visible from outside, and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Storing a GPS tracking device, such as an AirTag, in your vehicle may also help with recovery if it is stolen. Finally, never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
