An automobile is stolen every five minutes in Canada. This rate is at a historical high, according to insurance-fraud research group Equite. In February the federal government announced it is investing $15 million to support agencies to combat auto theft in Canada.
Here are the top 5 ways to help prevent auto theft.
- Park safely: Consider installing motion sensors or lights and a security camera system that covers your home’s parking area. This can be both a deterrent and a source of evidence should your vehicle go missing. Avoid leaving your vehicle unattended while it’s running.
Park indoors if you can. If you have two vehicles and a single-lane driveway, another solid tactic is to park the less valuable car, so that it blocks the more valuable one. Thieves look for opportunities, and the best move you can make is to not give them one.
When you are away from home it's important to park in a well-lit area that is well-trafficked and busy. - Use anti-theft devices: If your vehicle has a wireless key fob, keep it away from your front door or use a Faraday box or an RFID key signal blocker, which ensures your key’s signal cannot be detected by thieves. An RFID key signal blocker is available online at caask.ca/shop.
- Consider an immobilizer: Investigate a professionally installed after-market immobilizer—an electronic security device—or tracking device.
- Lock doors and windows: Always lock the doors and close the windows and sunroof. Don’t leave personal information or valuables in the vehicle, including your insurance and registration documentation. If somebody steals the vehicle, they will now have your name, your address, and everything they need to potentially commit further crimes under your name. Keep your garage doors and windows locked.
- Disconnect your car keys from your house keys: Keep your house keys and car keys separate—that way, if your vehicle is stolen with all your keys in it, the security of your house doesn’t become part of the equation.
You discover your vehicle is gone. What should you do?
Report the details of the theft to the police immediately. You can usually file a report online or contact your local police station to do so. The police will need specific information to identify the car, parts and accessories, including:
- year and make, model, colour(s)
- licence plate number
- insurance policy number or certificate number
- location of the theft incident
- vehicle identification number
- serial numbers of all special equipment
- special markings such as dents, scratches, other damage, etc.
- contact information for any witnesses
After calling the police, contact your insurance company. They will require similar information and help guide you through the next steps. Contact your local CAA Insurance Consultant, visit the website at caask.ca/insurance, or call 1-800-564-6222.
Visit caainsurancecompany.ca/ blog/rising-car-thefts-signal-itstime-for-us-all-to-step-up-ourdefence to learn more about auto theft.
Read more about combatting auto theft at caask.ca/consumereducation.
Visit the Public Safety Canada website to learn more about the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft.
*Sourced from Fall 2024 Issue CAA Saskatchewan Magazine (page 26 of PDF), Vanishing Vehicles.