TORONTO, July 16,
2024 /CNW/ - Équité Association, the national
authority on insurance crime, releases its First Half of
2024 Auto Theft Trend Report.
After Canadians have endured peak years of auto theft crimes in
2022 and 2023, the first half of 2024 national auto theft trends
are starting to show a decrease of 17% as compared to the same
period in 2023. These positive national results are a testament to
the collaborative efforts of the insurance industry, federal and
provincial governments, law enforcement agencies, and Canada Border
Service Agency (CBSA) to reduce auto theft and disrupt the flow of
funds to organized crime. Albeit early days of this new trend,
continued focus is crucial to preventing vehicle thefts before they
happen.
"We're seeing some early signs of progress in cracking down on
auto theft thanks to the measures implemented, but there's no room
for complacency," said Bryan Gast,
Vice President, Investigative Services, Équité
Association. "The momentum established in the first half of
2024 has been critical in identifying impactful solutions. Public
Safety Canada's leadership in hosting the National Summit on
Combatting Auto Theft, and their subsequent National Action Plan on
Combatting Auto Theft have been significant contributors. These
collective efforts are starting to reduce auto theft and the
financial flow into organized crime, reversing the concerning
trends of recent years. However, to truly ensure the safety of
Canadian communities, will require a sustained commitment towards
preventing vehicle theft altogether."
Trends by Region
- Ontario and Quebec: The first half of 2024 saw the
most significant decreases in auto theft trends, with Ontario down 14% and Quebec down 36%. SUVs continue to be the most
popular category of vehicle stolen in both provinces.
- Alberta: Auto theft
decreased by 5%. Trucks remain the most stolen category of
vehicle.
- Atlantic Canada: Auto
theft increased by 11%, likely due to the strong measures to combat
auto theft in Ontario and
Quebec, forcing thieves to other
provinces. Cars (sedans, coupes, hatchbacks and wagons) model years
2010-2016, are the most stolen category of vehicle.
The report highlights that provinces with historically high auto
theft rates saw the most significant decreases. Notably, the
decrease experienced in Ontario
and Quebec has resulted in a
ripple effect across Canada, with
Alberta also on the decline as
stolen vehicles often transit through to the ports for export.
"To continue the national decrease in auto theft, there must be
a shift from recovering stolen vehicles to preventing vehicles from
being stolen in the first place," said Terri O'Brien, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Équité Association. "Several auto manufacturers have
registered anti-theft technology patents. By utilizing simple and
effective technology that has already been developed and patented,
manufacturers have the ability, right now, to mitigate vehicle
theft and prioritize public safety."
Auto manufacturers can prevent auto theft by installing
effective anti-theft safety devices in all new vehicles as outlined
in the UL Standards & Engagement's (ULSE) recently updated
Standard for Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems:
Electronic Immobilization, CAN/ULC 338 Second Edition. This
standard provides a set of current North American standards,
already vetted by auto manufacturers, to update and modernize the
vehicle safety standards.
While the early 2024 decrease in auto theft is promising, this
remains a complex issue that requires continued focus and
collaboration to achieve theft prevention. Équité is committed to
harnessing the collective strength of its members, law enforcement
and government leaders to continue to build on the momentum to
combat Canada's auto theft
crisis.
About Équité Association
As the national authority on insurance crime
and fraud prevention, Équité Association is a
not-for-profit, national organization, supporting Canadian property
and casualty (P&C) insurers. Équité combats the insurance crime
problem that takes advantage of vulnerable Canadians by deploying
advanced analytics, intelligence best practices, and coordinated
investigations. Delivering improved service and fraud
analytics for vehicle, property, and cargo recovery to its members,
Équité collaborates with law enforcement, partners and industry
organizations to protect Canadians against exploitation.
Learn more about Équité Association
at https://www.equiteassociation.com/
SOURCE Équité Association