(This article has been updated from a previous version.)
Auto theft has reached crisis levels across the country. According to Équité Association, a car is stolen every five minutes in Canada, with auto thefts in both Ontario and Quebec seeing increases of up to 50% in 2022.
That’s why you can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your car. These theft prevention devices might include installing devices like a steering wheel lock, wireless door alarm and keyless entry security to deter increasingly sophisticated thieves.
Using theft prevention devices won’t only provide you protection, but they may also save you money on insurance.
Read more: Thefts drive up insurance premiums by 25% on most stolen vehicles
There are several ways you can better secure your vehicle to deter thieves, whether it’s by making the vehicle difficult to physically move or raising an alarm when the attempt is made. Here are some recommendations:
In response to the spike in auto theft, some insurance companies across Canada started imposing a $500 surcharge to owners of cars that are considered commonly stolen. This charge can then be lifted once the drivers provide proof of purchase of an anti-theft device.
Some cars are more popular with thieves, and because they are frequently targeted, they cost more to insure. In 2022, Honda and Dodge dominated the top 10 list of stolen vehicles in Canada, according to a report released by Équité Association in November of 2023, although theft popularity can differ by province.
Pickup trucks, particularly the Ford F-Series, are popular with thieves in Alberta, for example. Meanwhile, in Ontario, thieves tend to target Lexus and high-end Toyota models.
People steal cars for different reasons, however, the overwhelming majority of stolen vehicles in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, are linked to organized crime rings who either export them overseas to make profit or resell them domestically.
It’s not always the entire vehicle you have to worry about being stolen. There are specific parts that are worth a lot to a car thief, so you may find something missing from your vehicle.
In 2021, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported a rise in catalytic converter thefts across the province. The cost of a catalytic converter can greatly fluctuate based on the specific car model and manufacturer. As of 2022, a small aftermarket catalytic converter might only be worth $100, while a large and rare converter could be worth over $1,200, making it an appealing part for thieves to steal.
To deter thieves from getting your catalytic converter, try to park with your tailpipe as close to the wall as possible so thieves have less room to reach for the converter. You may also consider etching your VIN number on the catalytic converter to make sure it’s traceable and recoverable.
Thieves also frequently target car tires and wheels because they can easily be removed and resold on the market. For example, high-end customized rims can cost $1,000 apiece. If you’re particularly concerned about your rims, consider investing in a set of wheel locks, which are similar to lug nuts but require a special key to remove (they are often called anti-theft lug nuts).
Air bags are another tempting part to steal as they can usually retail for upwards of $7,00 and can be resold for a couple of hundred dollars or more. For that reason, you might consider getting a steering wheel lock to prevent thieves from breaking into your car and stealing it.
Related: How to prevent your vehicle from being stolen & filing a claim in case it happens
Adopting good habits can also reduce the chance of your car getting stolen such as:
Learn more: Can a vehicle’s safety features get you cheaper car insurance?