TORONTO, - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) released its annual list of the top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada today, many of which are showing up in the local market and not necessarily being exported out of Canada. In these cases, the vehicles are often re-sold to unsuspecting consumers.
This year there is a new hot target for thieves - the 2009 Toyota Venza. It replaces the 2000 Honda Civic SiR, which was last year's number one stolen vehicle.
The top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada are:
2009 Toyota Venza 4-door
1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2006 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD
2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-door AWD
2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS 4-door 4WD
2007 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD
2001 Pontiac Aztek 4-door AWD
1998 Acura Integra 2-door
1999 Acura Integra 2-door
"Consumers need to be aware when they're in the market for used vehicles or parts," said Rick Dubin, Vice-President, Investigative Services, IBC. "Those luxury, high-end vehicles may be hotter than you think."
Such high-end vehicles are often targeted by criminal organizations that strip them for parts or re-sell them to unsuspecting consumers.
Dubin added, "We're doing a good job of stopping stolen vehicles at the ports. Our data indicate that we are not seeing many of these vehicles there. We have to conclude that stolen vehicles are being re-sold locally. But because the stolen vehicles are in these local markets, buyers need to be careful."
To help avoid purchasing a stolen vehicle, consumers should buy cars from a reputable dealer. Running a car history report also helps to reduce the likelihood that you will be a victim of auto theft. Dubin noted that he's seeing a trend where the vehicles that are being exported tend to be stolen in the local area. "Generally, Quebec stolen vehicles - like the Venza - are ending up in the Port of Montreal, as thieves appear to be seeking a quick distribution of the vehicles."
When repairing a vehicle that has been damaged, consumers should be careful that they are dealing with a reputable repair shop. An insurance company can recommend a reputable shop. While auto theft is a big business, the numbers are dropping; however, concerns linger. Said Dubin, "The good news is that statistics show that in 2010, the number of stolen vehicles in Canada (approximately 93,000) was down 15% from 2009. The bad news is that recovery rates for stolen vehicles are continuing to decline. That supports the notion of the involvement of organized crime." Dubin added that "legislation, such as Bill S-9 (Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act), increases the risk of serious penalties for those involved in auto theft and any property obtained by crime. Vigilance and public awareness are also important in the battle." Dubin also pointed out, "We must all work together - law enforcement, governments, insurers and, yes, drivers - to put car thieves out of business."
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the private property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.
