--- title: Essential Tip to Prevent Auto Theft description: Protect your vehicle from auto theft with essential tips and strategies. Discover how Canadians are combating rising theft rates and safeguarding their cars. Learn more about effective measures to keep your vehicle secure and reduce the risk of theft. Stay informed and proactive to protect your investment and peace of mind. image: https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hubfs/Auto%20Theft%20Email%20Feature%20Image%20-%20600x500px-Mar-12-2025-07-59-02-1551-PM.png --- [ ![CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png?width=160&height=41&name=CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png)](https://caaniagara.ca/) [![CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png?width=165&height=41&name=CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB.png)](https://caaniagara.ca/) - [My Account](http://caaniagara.ca/redirect/redirect_myaccount.jsp) - [Find a Branch](https://caaniagara.ca/contact-us) - [Careers](https://caaniagara.ca/careers) - [CAA Niagara Blog](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/) ## Search Search Search - [Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership) - Manage Membership - [Join CAA](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare) - [Renew Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/renew) - [Compare Memberships](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare) - Member Perks - [Member Benefits](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits) - [Save at Shell](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/shell-fuel-savings) - [Gift Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/gift) - [CAA Mobile App](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/mobile-app) - Digital - [Sign Up for CAA eNews](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/enews) - [CAA Magazine](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/magazine) - [Payment Options](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/payment-options) - [CAA Rewards](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards) - Save More - [Places to Save](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards) - [What are CAA Dollars?](https://portal.caarewards.ca/niagara/how-it-works/) - Online Perks - [Shop Online](https://portal.caarewards.ca/niagara/partners) - [Tickets & Activities](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/discounts) - Exclusice Offers - [Offers & Deals](https://portal.caarewards.ca/niagara/?_gl=1*oja1hn*_ga*MTE4MjE3MDA2OS4xNjgzMDU5Njkw*_ga_GM4GC8CRYZ*MTcwNjAzNjk4NC4yNTQuMS4xNzA2MDM3NzQwLjAuMC4w) - [Gift Cards](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards/gift-cards) - [Travel](https://caaniagara.ca/travel) - Travel Reservations - [Flights](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/flight) - [Hotels](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/hotel/) - [Car Rentals](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/car/) - [Cruises](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/cruise/) - [Vacation Packages](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/prepacked/) - Travel Styles - [Journeys](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/journeys) - [CAA Solo Travellers](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/solo-travellers-club) - [Disney Destinations](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/disney-destinations) - [Universal Orlando Resort](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/universal-orlando) - [Travel Information & Planning](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/travel-information) - [Maps, TripTiks & TourBooks](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/maps-triptiks-tourbooks) - [Passport Photos](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/before-you-go) - [Travel Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/travel) - Plan Your Trip - [Attraction Tickets](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions) - [Destination Weddings](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/destination-weddings) - [Travel Events](https://caaniagara.ca/events/travel-presentations) - [Theme Park Attractions](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/theme-parks) - [Find an Agent](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/find-an-agent) - [Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance) - Get Covered - [Get a Quote](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance) - [Home Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/home) - [Auto Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/auto) - [Travel Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/travel) - Health - [Life Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/life) - [Health & Dental Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/health-and-dental) - [Pet Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/pet) - Make A Claim - [Personal Accident Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/personal-accident) - [File a Claim](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/claims) - [Find an Agent](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/find-an-agent) - [Auto](https://caaniagara.ca/auto) - Roadside Assistance - [Approved Auto Repair Service](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/approved-auto-repair-service) - [Roadside Assistance](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance) - [Service Tracker](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/service-tracker) - CAA Rescue - [Mobile Battery Service](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/mobile-battery-service) - [Bike Assist](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/bike-assist) - [Motorcycle Rescue](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/motorcycle-rescue) - Essentials - [Driver Education](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/driver-education) - [Buying & Selling a Vehicle](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/buying-and-selling) - [Maintenance & Repairs](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/maintenance-and-repairs) - [Community](https://caaniagara.ca/community) - Member Engagement - [Events](https://caaniagara.ca/events) - [Community Boost](https://caaniagara.ca/community/community-boost) - [Worst Roads](https://caaniagara.ca/community/worst-roads) - [CAA Niagara Blog](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/) - Community Protection - [Impaired Driving](https://caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety/impaired-driving) - [Distracted Driving](https://caaniagara.ca/community/distracted-driving) - [Senior Drivers](https://caaniagara.ca/community/senior-drivers) - [Submit Your Ideas](https://caaniagara.ca/idea) - [Ontario Road Safety Resource](http://ontarioroadsafety.ca/en/) - Community Involvement - [Road Safety](https://caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety) - [Community Donations](https://caaniagara.ca/community/donations) - [Contests](https://caaniagara.ca/community/contests) - [Slow Down Move Over](https://caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety/slow-down-move-over) - [Get Roadside Assistance](https://caaroadside.ca/CAA-console/AddSubmitRRA.action?request_locale=en&club=288) - [Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership) - [Member Benefits](https://caaniagara.ca/membership) - [Compare Memberships](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare) - [Gift Membership](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/gift) - [Renew Online](https://caaniagara.ca/redirect/redirect_login.jsp) - [CAA Mobile App](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/app) - [CAA Magazine](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/magazine) - [Payment Options](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/payment-options) - [Sign Up for CAA eNews](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/benefits/enews) - [CAA Rewards®](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards) - [Places to Save](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards) - [What are CAA Dollars®](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards/caa-dollars) - [CAA Member Experiences™](https://portal.caarewards.ca/niagara/member-experience/?mem_exp=2) - [CAA Rewards® MasterCard®](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards/mastercard) - [Offers & Deals](https://caaniagara.ca/rewards/offers) - [Travel](https://caaniagara.ca/travel) - [Flights](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/flight) - [Hotels](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/hotel/) - [Car Rentals](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/car/) - [Cruises](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/cruise/) - [Vacation Packages](https://caaniagara.tstllc.net/prepacked/) - [Journeys](https://caaniagara.ca/journeys) - [Attraction Tickets](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions) - [Disney Destinations](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/disney-destinations) - [Universal Orlando Resort](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/attractions/universal-orlando) - [Destination Weddings](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/destination-weddings) - [Travel Information](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/before-you-go) - [Maps, TripTiks & TourBooks](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/maps-triptiks-tourbooks) - [Passport Photos](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/before-you-go) - [International Driving Permit](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/before-you-go) - [Travel Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/travel) - [Events & Presentations](https://caaniagara.ca/events/travel-presentations) - [Find an Agent](https://caaniagara.ca/travel/find-an-agent) - [Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance) - [Get a Quote](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance) - [Home Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/home) - [Auto Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/auto) - [Pet Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/pet) - [Travel Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/travel) - [Personal Accident Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/personal-accident) - [Life Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/life) - [Health & Dental Insurance](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/health-and-dental) - [File a Claim](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/claims) - [Find an Agent](https://caaniagara.ca/insurance/find-an-agent) - [Auto](https://caaniagara.ca/auto) - [Roadside Assistance](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance) - [Service Tracker](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/service-tracker) - [Mobile Battery Service](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/mobile-battery-service) - [Bike Assist](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/bike-assist) - [Motorcycle Rescue](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/roadside-assistance/motorcycle-rescue) - [Buying & Selling a Vehicle](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/buying-and-selling) - [Maintenance & Repairs](https://caaniagara.ca/auto/maintenance-and-repairs) - [Community](https://caaniagara.ca/community) - [Worst Roads](https://caaniagara.ca/community/worst-roads) - [Distracted Driving](https://caaniagara.ca/community/distracted-driving) - [Senior Drivers](https://caaniagara.ca/community/senior-drivers) - [Road Safety](https://caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety) - [Community Donations](https://caaniagara.ca/community/donations) - [Contests](https://caaniagara.ca/community/contests) - [Events](https://caaniagara.ca/events) - [Slow Down Move Over](https://caaniagara.ca/community/road-safety/slow-down-move-over) - [Join CAA](https://auth.caaniagara.ca/join/primary) - [My Account](https://auth.caaniagara.ca/account/requirelogin) - [Find a Branch](https://caaniagara.ca/contact-us) - [Join CAA](https://caaniagara.ca/membership/compare) - [Get Roadside Assistance](https://caamobile.ca/CAA-console/AddSubmitRRA.action?request_locale=en&club=288) # Essential Tip to Prevent Auto Theft March 17, 2025 | CAA Niagara   Essential Tip to Prevent Auto Theft 6:36   ![Auto Theft Email Feature Image - 600x500px-Mar-12-2025-07-59-02-1551-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Auto%20Theft%20Email%20Feature%20Image%20-%20600x500px-Mar-12-2025-07-59-02-1551-PM.png?width=750&height=781&name=Auto%20Theft%20Email%20Feature%20Image%20-%20600x500px-Mar-12-2025-07-59-02-1551-PM.png)   ![CAA Insurance logo (2)-1](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CAA%20Insurance%20logo%20(2)-1.png?width=522&height=174&name=CAA%20Insurance%20logo%20(2)-1.png) With a car being stolen every six minutes in Canada, chances are you know somebody who’s been a victim. Maybe you know someone who was even unlucky enough to have their replacement car stolen. No province seems immune to rising auto theft rates: Ontario and Quebec have seen 48% and 50% increases. Meanwhile, Alberta has seen an 18% increase, and Atlantic Canada has reported a 34% increase in thefts. In Canada, auto theft claims amounted to more than $1 billion last year. From car owners to law enforcement bodies to provincial and federal governments, it’s time to step up our defense strategies to prevent these numbers from continuing to rise. Are you worried about your car being stolen or broken into? You’re not alone. Many Canadians are concerned about auto thefts – regardless of whether they have experienced it. A CAA Insurance Company public opinion survey conducted in late 2023 showed that 49% of Canadians were worried about their cars being broken into and 39% were concerned about their car being stolen. Not surprisingly, the more urban the location, the greater the concern grew. More than 50% of those surveyed felt that insurance companies should be primarily responsible for educating Canadians about theft prevention options, while 38% felt that responsibility belonged to local law enforcement. --- ## Essential Tips to Help Protect Your Car Car owners are taking preventive measures to keep their cars safe. The CAA Insurance survey showed that Canadians are doing their part to help control auto theft. The poll showed that 81% of car owners keep their vehicles locked at all times – but conversely, that means one in five Canadians are still not securing their vehicles. The survey also showed that 77% don’t keep valuables in their car; 34% park their vehicles in a garage; 33% have factory-installed anti-theft systems; and around 20% have installed sensor lights or video cameras monitoring their driveway or garage. While we have made inroads, there’s still room for improvement in how we Canadians secure our cars. ### ![1-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7426-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/1-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7426-PM.png?width=79&height=79&name=1-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7426-PM.png) 1. Secure Your Vehicle Using physical deterrents can be highly effective in preventing auto theft. Tools such as a steering-wheel lock, brake pedal lock, or wheel lock, like “The Club,” can make your vehicle less appealing to thieves. ### ![11-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7709-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/11-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7709-PM.png?width=79&height=79&name=11-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7709-PM.png) 2. Protect Your Key Fob Key fobs are vulnerable to signal hacking, a method used by thieves to unlock and start your car remotely. To prevent this, store your key fob in a Faraday box or pouch, which blocks the signal and keeps your car safe. ### ![3-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7400-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/3-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7400-PM.png?width=79&height=79&name=3-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7400-PM.png) 3. Install an Immobilizer A professionally installed after-market immobilizer can add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. This device prevents the car from starting without the correct key, making it much harder for thieves to drive away. ### ![5-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7268-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/5-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7268-PM.png?width=79&height=79&name=5-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7268-PM.png) 4. Lock Everything It might seem obvious, but always ensure all doors are locked—both your car and home doors. If you have a garage, park your vehicle inside to further protect it from theft. ### ![12-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7703-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/12-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7703-PM.png?width=79&height=79&name=12-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7703-PM.png) 5. Smart Parking If you own more than one vehicle, consider parking the less valuable one closer to the street. This makes the more expensive car harder to access and less tempting for thieves. ### ![6-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7431-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/6-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7431-PM.png?width=79&height=79&name=6-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7431-PM.png) 6. Keep Valuables Out of Sight Thieves often target vehicles with visible valuables. Keep your car clutter-free and avoid leaving any items in plain sight to reduce the likelihood of a break-in. ### ![7-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7862-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/7-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7862-PM.png?width=79&height=79&name=7-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7862-PM.png) 7. Never Leave Your Vehicle Running Unattended Even if you’re just stepping away for a moment, always turn off your vehicle and take the keys with you. An unattended running car is an easy target for thieves. ### ![8-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7396-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/8-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7396-PM.png?width=79&height=79&name=8-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7396-PM.png) 8. Use a GPS Tracker Placing a GPS tracker (such as an Air Tag) in your vehicle can help you locate it if it’s stolen. This device can be a valuable tool in recovering your vehicle quickly. ### ![9-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7677-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/9-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7677-PM.png?width=79&height=79&name=9-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7677-PM.png) 9. Install Security Systems Adding motion sensors and cameras to your driveway can deter thieves and provide valuable evidence in case of a theft. These security systems can alert you to suspicious activity and help keep your vehicle safe. ### ![10-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7647-PM](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/10-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7647-PM.png?width=79&height=79&name=10-Mar-13-2025-04-56-45-7647-PM.png) 10. Cover Your VIN The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your dashboard can be used by thieves to clone your car’s identity. Covering the VIN can prevent this and make your vehicle less attractive to criminals. --- ## Why Are So Many Vehicles Being Stolen? When fewer new vehicles were made during the pandemic slowdown, demand rose sharply – especially overseas. This is, in part, why stolen vehicles are often exported to places where they can fetch double their Canadian street price.  Yet not all stolen cars are destined to go overseas. Every vehicle has its own vehicle identification number (VIN) or QR code that’s usually displayed on the driver’s windshield or door jamb. This unique number is a way for consumers to track accident repairs on a car to ensure its fair resale value, and for insurance companies to determine your premiums. VINs are also a way to ensure you’re not buying a stolen car. Today’s thieves are “re-vinning” vehicles with fake VIN numbers to sell cars closer to home, where unsuspecting buyers are unaware that their “new” car is actually a stolen vehicle.   ## They Say It Takes a Village While car owners are stepping up to help, the auto theft issue has become so big that the Ontario government claims it will take the entire country to reign it in. The province’s 2023 report called upon the Canada Border Services Agency, the RCMP, Montreal and Halifax port authorities, and major rail and shipping container companies to join the fight to curb vehicle theft. Meanwhile, Ontario has committed $51M to police over the next three years. With stakeholders including provincial and federal governments, local and border police, insurance companies, vehicle manufacturers, and car owners themselves coming at the problem from different angles, hopefully through collaboration vehicle thefts will begin to trend downwards. --- By implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of auto theft and protect your vehicle. Stay vigilant and proactive in securing your car and help turn the tide against this rising crime trend. [To learn more about the auto theft issue, click here.](https://www.caainsurancecompany.ca/blog/rising-car-thefts-signal-its-time-for-us-all-to-step-up-our-defence)   ® 2024 CAA Insurance Company. ®/CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association. Tags: [CAA Insurance](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/topic/caa-insurance) [Tweets by CAA Niagara](https://twitter.com/caaniagara) ### Recent Posts - [Contact Us](https://caaniagara.ca/contact-us) - [About CAA Niagara](https://caaniagara.ca/about-caa) - [Annual Report](https://caaniagara.ca/AnnualReport2024) - [Board of Directors](https://caaniagara.ca/theboard) - [News & Media](https://caaniagara.ca/news) - [Careers](https://caaniagara.ca/careers) - [Terms & Conditions](https://caaniagara.ca/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://caaniagara.ca/privacy-policy) - [Consumer Email Policy](https://caaniagara.ca/consumer-email-policy) - [AODA Customer Service Policy](https://caaniagara.ca/accessibility-standard) ![tico.ca](https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hubfs/Caaniagara_September2017/pdf/TICO-Logo.png) Ontario  Registration  #01381980 **Member Service** 1-800-263-7272 **Roadside Assistance** Niagara Region: 1-800-263-3616 Canada & US: 1-800-222-4357 or \*222 CAA Niagara serves Members in the Regional Municipality of Niagara. If you live outside the Niagara Region, [visit the CAA National website](https://www.caa.ca/) to find the CAA club that serves you. Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. ® CAA, CAA logo and CAA Dollars trademarks owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association. © Copyright 2025 CAA Niagara, Canadian Automobile Association. ® All rights reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "CAA Niagara", "url" : "https://blog.caaniagara.ca/author/caa-niagara" }, "dateModified" : "2025-03-17T18:39:14.641Z", "datePublished" : "2025-03-17T18:39:14.000Z", "headline" : "Essential Tip to Prevent Auto Theft", "image" : [ "https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hubfs/Auto%20Theft%20Email%20Feature%20Image%20-%20600x500px-Mar-12-2025-07-59-02-1551-PM.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.caaniagara.ca/essential-tip-to-prevent-auto-theft", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.caaniagara.ca/hubfs/CAA_Niagara_Master_Logo_Horizontal_RGB-1000x250.png" }, "name" : "CAA Niagara" } } ```