Auto theft up for second consecutive year: IBC publishes 2016 Top 10 stolen vehicles list

Ford F-Series trucks and luxury SUVs top list of most-stolen vehicles

TORONTO, Dec. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) today published its annual national list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles. Once again, Ford trucks and high-priced SUVs feature prominently.

"For the second consecutive year, auto theft across Canada has ticked higher," said Garry Robertson, National Director, Investigative Services, IBC. "After large declines in auto theft activity over the last decade, the number of stolen vehicles has gone up 6% from last year, to 78,849 across Canada. The biggest increases were in Alberta where stolen vehicle numbers are up 32% and Prince Edward Island where they are up 19%." 

National Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles List

This year's 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada are:

1.  2007 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
2.  2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
3.  2005 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
4.  2004 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
5.  2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
6.  2015 Toyota 4Runner 4-door 4WD SUV
7.  2003 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD SUV
8.  2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
9.  2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
10. 2010 Acura ZDX 4-door AWD SUV

"We see from this list that criminals continue to favour all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, older, high-end vehicles," Robertson added.

This year, IBC has also broken down auto theft statistics for our regional offices across Canada. For the regional breakdown of the Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles, visit the websites for IBC's Ontario, Atlantic, and Western and Pacific regions.

Keep your vehicle safe

It pays to be vigilant about deterring car thieves. "A vehicle left running unattended is not only easy to steal, it has increased value as a stolen vehicle because it comes with the keys," Robertson said.

Cars are stolen for a number of reasons. Stolen vehicles may be shipped overseas, where they are sold to consumers who don't know they are buying a stolen car; they are scrapped for parts; or they might be used to commit another crime. 

"If you have gone to the trouble of buying a car that has a theft deterrent system that makes stealing it tougher, don't make it easy for thieves by leaving the keys in the car," added Robertson. IBC reminds you that it takes less than a minute for a car thief to steal your vehicle. Protect your vehicle by following these tips:

• Never leave your vehicle running when unattended.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• When parking your car, always close the windows and lock the doors.
• Put valuables and packages in the trunk, where they're out of sight.
• Keep your car in the garage at night.
• Don't leave personal information in the glove box. Take your insurance and ownership documents with you when you park your vehicle.

Report the crime

To report an insurance crime, call your local police, IBC at 1-877-IBC-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 1‑800-222-TIPS. For more information about auto theft, visit www.ibc.ca.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $8.2 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion.

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Andrew McGrath, Manager, Media Relations, IBC, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, [email protected]