Vehicle theft remains a growing issue in Canada, with thieves increasingly targeting specific makes and models. Whether it’s due to high resale value, ease of theft, or demand for parts, some vehicles are simply more at risk than others. Understanding these trends can help Albertans take proactive steps to protect their vehicles.
In this article, we’ll cover the latest list of the most stolen vehicles in Canada and Alberta, explore why these vehicles are targeted, and provide tips on how to reduce your risk of theft.
🚗 The Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada (2024)
According to the latest report from the Équité Association (source), these are the top 10 most stolen vehicles nationwide:
2021 Toyota Highlander
2022 Dodge RAM 1500 Series
2022 Lexus RX Series
2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Toyota RAV4
2019 Honda Civic
2021 Jeep Wrangler
2020 Land Rover Range Rover Series
2023 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series
2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
Many of these vehicles, especially SUVs and pickup trucks, are targeted for export overseas or resale of high-value parts. Keyless entry vulnerabilities also contribute to thefts, as criminals use relay attacks to access and start vehicles without a physical key.
🚙 The Most Stolen Vehicles in Alberta (2024)
Alberta, known for its love of trucks and SUVs, has a slightly different list of frequently stolen vehicles. According to a report from Narcity Canada (source), the top 10 most stolen vehicles in the province are:
Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500 Series – 353 thefts
Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series – 350 thefts
Dodge Ram 1500 Series – 346 thefts
Ford F350 Series – 270 thefts
Ford F150 Series – 248 thefts
Jeep Grand Cherokee – 114 thefts
Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Escape/Corsair/MKC/Mariner Series – 106 thefts
Honda Civic – 105 thefts
Ford F250 Series – 103 thefts
Dodge Ram 2500 Series / Lexus RX Series – 98 thefts (tie)
In Alberta, heavy-duty trucks dominate the list. These vehicles are valuable targets for thieves due to their high resale value, expensive parts, and use in organized crime, particularly for transporting stolen goods.
🔎 Why Are These Vehicles Targeted?
Vehicle theft trends change over time, but certain factors consistently put some makes and models at greater risk:
High Demand: Popular vehicles like the Honda Civic and Ford F-Series trucks are frequently stolen because they are always in demand on the resale and black market.
Weak Security Features: Some models, particularly those with keyless entry, can be stolen using relay attacks—a method where thieves amplify the signal from a key fob inside a house to unlock and start a vehicle parked outside.
Exported for Profit: Many stolen vehicles, particularly SUVs and luxury models like the Lexus RX and Land Rover Range Rover, are shipped overseas for resale, making them highly desirable targets.
Stripped for Parts: Trucks and SUVs have valuable parts that can be stripped and sold on the black market.
🔐 How to Protect Your Vehicle from Theft
If you drive one of these commonly stolen vehicles, consider taking extra precautions to reduce the risk:
✅ Use a Steering Wheel Lock – A simple but effective visual deterrent that makes stealing your vehicle less appealing.
✅ Invest in a Faraday Pouch – If you have a keyless entry system, store your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch to prevent relay attacks.
✅ Install a GPS Tracking System – A hidden GPS tracker can help recover your vehicle faster if stolen.
✅ Park Smart – Always park in well-lit areas or in a garage, and consider using a secondary vehicle to block in high-risk models.
✅ Use a Kill Switch – Adding a hidden kill switch can prevent thieves from starting your vehicle.
✅ Upgrade Your Security System – Some aftermarket security systems provide better protection than factory-installed alarms.
📢 Final Thoughts
Vehicle theft in Canada and Alberta remains a serious issue, especially for truck and SUV owners. While some thefts are inevitable, taking preventative steps can significantly reduce your risk.
As insurance brokers, we also recommend reviewing your comprehensive auto insurance coverage to ensure you're protected in case of theft. If you have questions about your policy or want to explore options for stolen vehicle coverage, reach out to Switch Insurance today.
📞 Contact us at 780-665-6632 to review your auto insurance and make sure you're covered.
Stay safe, Alberta! 🚗🔒
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