Ford F-350 (2003 pictured)
Old and large Ford trucks again dominated the list of most stolen vehicles in Canada – taking 9 of the top 10 spots in 2015, according to the annual report by the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
The 2005 Ford F-350 was the most stolen, followed by the same truck in the 2006 and 2007 models. The fourth most stolen vehicle was the 2006 Cadillac Escalade, the only non-Ford truck in the top 10. The rest of the list is all Ford F-250s and F-350s from years between 2001 and 2007.
"None of the top 10 stolen vehicles are equipped with an electronic manufacturer immobilizer as a theft deterrent system, so they are easier to steal," said Rick Dubin, vice-president of investigative services for IBC, in a statement. "We also see from this list that criminals continue to have a huge demand for AWD/4WD late model high-end vehicles."
IBC reports 73,964 vehicles were stolen in 2014, which is an increase of more than a thousand vehicles from 2013, but thefts have been declining over the past decade. However, thefts were up 29 per cent in British Columbia.
Dubin said there has been an increase this year in shipping containers at the Montreal and Halifax ports filled with car and truck parts.
"Crooks are trying to fool Canada Border Services Agency and IBC by dismantling high-end, late-model vehicles," he said. "CBSA and IBC have seized 41 of these vehicles that have been dismantled …CBSA and IBC have recovered over $10 million in stolen vehicles at the ports this year alone."
IBC notes auto theft costs Canadians close to $1 billion each year, which includes $542 million that insurance companies pay to fix or replace cars and $250 million in police, health care and court system costs.
Dubin has some tips to reduce the number of thefts and a main one is not leaving your car unattended while running. He estimates 60 per cent of stolen vehicles have keys in them.
"The crooks are targeting vehicles with keys in them because they are of greater value," he said. "Don't leave your vehicle running unattended in your driveway or at your favourite coffee shop."
Even without the keys, a thief can steal a car in less than a minute, so Dubin also suggests parking in well-lit areas, not leaving valuables in plain sight, and not leaving personal information in the glove box.
The list is based on insurance claims data from almost all auto insurance companies in Canada.
Most stolen vehicles in Canada:
- 2005 Ford F-350
- 2006 Ford F-350
- 2007 Ford F-350
- 2006 Cadillac Escalade
- 2003 Ford F-350
- 2006 Ford F-250
- 2001 Ford F-350
- 2004 Ford F-250
- 2007 Ford F-250
- 2001 Ford F-250
Most stolen vehicles in Ontario:
- 2003 Cadillac Escalade
- 2010 Acura ZDX
- 2009 BMW X6
- 2013 Acura MDX
- 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2013 Toyota Highlander
- 2005 Hummer H2
- 2014 Toyota Venza
- 2011 BMW X6
- 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
Most stolen vehicles in British Columbia and Alberta:
- 2004 Ford F-250
- 2000 Honda Civic 2 door
- 2006 Ford F-250
- 2006 Ford F-350
- 2005 Ford F-350
- 2007 Ford F-250
- 2005 Ford F-250
- 2001 Ford F-350
- 2010 Buick Enclave/Saturn Outlook
- 2007 Ford F-350
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Add us to your circles
Sign up for our weekly newsletter