News

Top 10 most stolen cars

Posted on Dec 15, 2011

Did your car make IBC's annual list?

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has released its annual list of the top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada, 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:

1)    2009 Toyota Venza 4-door

2)    1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door

3)    2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door

4)    2006 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD

5)    2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-door AWD

6)    2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS 4-door 4WD

7)    2007 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD

8)    2001 Pontiac Aztek 4-door AWD

9)    1998 Acura Integra 2-door

10)  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, stated IBC.

Also, when repairing a vehicle that has been damaged, consumers should ensure they are dealing with a reputable repair shop.

While auto theft is a big business, the numbers are dropping. IBC noted a 15% decrease in the number of stolen vehicles in 2010, compared to 2009.

However, concerns linger because the recovery rates for stolen vehicles are also on the decline. This supports the notion of the involvement of organized crime.

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, according to Dubin.

“We must all work together – law enforcement, governments, insurers and, yes, drivers – to put car thieves out of business.”

http://www.citopbroker.com/news/top-10-most-stolen-cars-3104

December 14, 2011