Protect Your Vehicle: Essential Tips to Prevent Auto Theft

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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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