Stop Yourself Becoming a Victim of Car Theft

Car thefts in Toronto and the surrounding area are on the rise, according to statistics from Toronto Police Services. In fact, a car is stolen every 48 minutes in Ontario.

Experts believe the money obtained from these stolen vehicles is being used to support gun and gang violence. Additionally, car thefts contribute to higher insurance premiums. It is clear that car theft in Toronto is not a victimless crime.

To address this issue, the Ontario government has recently implemented new measures to assist the police in identifying and dismantling organized crime networks. Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth has announced that the province will allocate $1.4 million to the GTA and the Greater Golden Horseshoe region. This funding, known as the investigative fund, aims to provide police services with the necessary resources and advanced technology to combat crime.

The ultimate goal is to collaborate with the federal government, as well as the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in order to focus on examining shipping containers and rail companies. By taking these steps, it is hoped that the problem of car thefts in Southern Ontario can be effectively addressed and reduced.

It is often mentioned that there is no foolproof method to completely prevent vehicle theft, but there are steps that drivers can take to make it more challenging for thieves. Many thieves are opportunistic and will move on if they encounter difficulties in stealing a car. Therefore, the most important advice is to always turn off the engine and take the keys with you. Other tips for preventing theft include:

• Whenever possible, park in a garage or a well-lit area.
• Cover and lock up any valuable items inside the vehicle.
• Ensure that all windows are fully closed and all doors are locked.

Unfortunately, some thieves have resorted to using tow trucks to steal vehicles, which has become increasingly common. To address this concern, the police recommend setting the emergency brake and turning the wheels hard to the side when parking.

The Greater Toronto Area’s Most Stolen Vehicles

To avoid falling prey to vehicle theft, it is crucial to understand why thieves find your vehicle attractive. Based on data from 2022, popular targets for theft in Canada include newer Honda CR-Vs, Civics, Accords, and trucks from various manufacturers.

With so many Hondas being targeted Honda Canada has started offering Honda+ Locate to customers, a tracking system used to locate the vehicle after it’s been taken.

If you own one of these vehicles, it might be wise to consider implementing the precautionary measures recommended by law enforcement and other professionals.

What Should You Do After Your Car Has Been Stolen?

If your vehicle has been stolen, the first step is to immediately contact the police. It is important to note that if you have aftermarket GPS and are able to locate your vehicle or see it being driven, you should not approach the thieves.

To increase the chances of finding your vehicle, provide the police with a detailed description. Take note of the year, make, model, license plate number, and VIN. Additionally, mention any accessories and provide their serial numbers if possible. Any visible damage, such as dents or scratches, should also be communicated to the officers searching for your vehicle.

In addition to contacting the police, it is advisable to reach out to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Confirm whether your insurance plan covers theft protection and consider opening a claim at the same time.

What Does "Carjacking" Mean?

Carjackings are a type of car theft that involve violence, where the driver is present and a thief forcefully or through intimidation takes the vehicle from them.

According to crime expert Mark Mendelson, carjackings in Toronto may be on the rise because they are easier to carry out compared to stealing key fobs to unlock parked cars using technology. Mendelson explains that carjackings are simpler and faster, although some incidents involve careful planning. The perpetrators are not concerned about potential witnesses driving by.

In the event that you are targeted in a carjacking, Mendelson suggests making noise to deter the thieves. By locking the doors and activating the car alarm using your key fob, you can attract attention to the situation, which is something that the thieves want to avoid.

However, if your safety is at risk, Mendelson advises complying with the carjackers’ demands and surrendering your vehicle. He emphasizes that a car can be replaced, but it is not worth risking your life to protect it.

Here are some additional tips to help prevent carjackings:

• Make sure your mobile phone is charged and easily accessible
• Avoid being alone in your vehicle in high-crime areas, isolated roads or intersections, and parking lots with minimal traffic
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, especially if you notice people lingering near your vehicle or following you in their car
• When parking, choose well-lit areas with high foot traffic
• Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up when sitting inside
• Avoid using isolated ATMs, as these locations are often targeted by thieves looking to steal both your vehicle and your bank account information
• Be cautious of common tactics used by carjackers, such as intentionally bumping into your car, pretending to be a stranded driver, or flashing their lights to indicate a problem with your vehicle