Can you imagine that sinking feeling when you head to your car or truck only to find it’s not there?  What’s your first thought?  Did I park it somewhere else?  Does my spouse have it?  Darn, kids – I told them not to take my car!  No wait!  You’ve just become the victim of car theft, a rising occurrence in Canada today.

From 2021 to 2022, vehicle thefts in Alberta increased by 18.3%. as reported in a recent study from Equite Association.    So, the cost to us in insurance premiums Canada-wide last year was over $1 Billion.  That’s the most the insurance industry has ever had to pay for auto theft in one year.

In the last few weeks, I have had calls from three of my clients whose vehicles were stolen.  It’s not a pleasant experience and will be damaged if and when it is recovered.  So, take steps now to avoid being a victim of car theft.

Equite Association is a non-profit organization created to protect Canadians and contribute to a more equitable world by tackling insurance fraud and crime.  They are recommending a layered approach to preventing auto theft because you don’t want to be that victim!

Layer 1: The simple, common-sense steps

  • Keep your car doors locked at all times
  • Never leave your keys in the ignition or start your vehicle remotely – even on cold days!
  • Ensure your windows are closed completely when leaving your car
  • Park your vehicle in a well-lit area
  • Park your vehicle in a secure garage if possible

Layer 2: Install visible or audible anti-theft devices

  • Audible alarms
  • Steering column collars
  • Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
  • Onboard diagnostic (OBD) port lock
  • Brake and/or wheel locks
  • Theft deterrent decals
  • Identification markers in or on the vehicle
  • Window etchings
  • If possible, turn off the key FOB or place it inside an RFID-blocking pouch (e.g. Faraday bag) when not in use, even at home.

Layer 3: Install a vehicle immobilizer

  • Install a quality aftermarket immobilizer device with an ignition disabler that protects against relay attacks, reprogramming attacks and CAN bus attacks.

Layer 4: Invest in a tracking system

  • Tracking services install multiple and difficult-to-locate tracking devices throughout a vehicle. In the event of a theft, these devices can help track a vehicle

Finally, check out this list of the Top Ten Stolen Vehicles of 2021 – Canada