Ontario auto thieves have expensive tastes: IBC releases 2016 Top 10 stolen vehicles list

High-end luxury SUVs are most commonly stolen vehicles in Ontario

TORONTO, Dec. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) today published its annual Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles list. This year, IBC has also published a list for each one of its regional offices. High-end luxury SUVs are the most commonly stolen vehicles in Ontario.

"For the second consecutive year, auto theft across Canada and Ontario has increased," said Kim Donaldson, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC. "After large declines in auto theft activity over the last decade, the number of stolen vehicles has gone up 6% nationally, compared to last year. In Ontario, the number has increased by 5%. Many of the high-end vehicles that are stolen in Ontario will end up in overseas markets." 

Ontario Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles List

This year's 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in IBC's Ontario region are:

1.    2015 Toyota 4Runner 4-door 4WD SUV
2.    2014 Toyota 4Runner 4-door 4WD SUV
3.    2003 Hummer H2 4-door AWD SUV
4.    2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD and 2003 GMC Yukon 4WD SUVs
5.    2015 Lexus RX350/RX450h 4-door AWD SUVs
6.    2002 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD SUV
7.    2015 Acura MDX 4-door 4WD SUV
8.    2011 Range Rover Sport 4-door 4WD SUV
9.    2004 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD and 2004 GMC Yukon 4WD SUVs
10. 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD and 2005 GMC Yukon XL 1500 4WD SUVs

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," Donaldson said.

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

"It takes less than a minute for a car thief to steal your vehicle .If you've gone to the trouble of buying a car that has a theft deterrent system, don't make it easy for thieves by leaving the keys in the car," added Donaldson. 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.

For more information on the Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles in other regions, visit IBC's National, Atlantic, and Western and Pacific websites.

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 @IBC_Ontario, 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. To schedule an interview, please contact:

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

Andrew McGrath, Manager, Media Relations, IBC, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, [email protected]