Many of the vehicles stolen in Canada this year stayed in Canada and were sold to unsuspecting customers.
“Consumers need to be aware when they’re in the market for used vehicles or parts,” said Rick Dubin, Vice-President, Investigative Services, IBC. “Those luxury, high-end vehicles may be hotter than you think.”
Such high-end vehicles are often targeted by criminal organizations that strip them for parts or re-sell them to unsuspecting consumers.
IBC has released its annual list of the top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada. A new addition to the list this year is the 2009 Toyota Venza. It replaces the 2000 Honda Civic SiR, which was last year’s number one stolen vehicle.
The top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada are:
- 2009 Toyota Venza 4-door
- 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
- 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
- 2006 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD
- 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-door AWD
- 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS 4-door 4WD
- 2007 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD
- 2001 Pontiac Aztek 4-door AWD
- 1998 Acura Integra 2-door
- 1999 Acura Integra 2-door
Dubin said that progress is being made to prevent stolen vehicles from being exported overseas. “We’re doing a good job of stopping stolen vehicles at the ports. Our data indicate that we are not seeing many of these vehicles there,” he said. “We have to conclude that stolen vehicles are being re-sold locally. But because the stolen vehicles are in these local markets, buyers need to be careful.”
There is good news about auto theft in Canada, but it comes with bad news.
“The good news is that statistics show that in 2010, the number of stolen vehicles in Canada (approximately 93,000) was down 15% from 2009. The bad news is that recovery rates for stolen vehicles are continuing to decline. That supports the notion of the involvement of organized crime, “Dubin said.
“Legislation, such as Bill S-9 (Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act), increases the risk of serious penalties for those involved in auto theft and any property obtained by crime. Vigilance and public awareness are also important in the battle.” Dubin also pointed out, “We must all work together – law enforcement, governments, insurers and, yes, drivers – to put car thieves out of business.”
Source: ILSTV
