Insurance Sponsor Lists Top Vehicle Choices For Theft
Did you know that our association receives a contribution every time a member switches to Canadian Direct Insurance? Our sponsor, who incidentally has some of the best rates in the industry, forwarded this interesting link to us that looks at which are the most popular vehicles to thieves and how you can protect yourself from theft.
TORONTO – Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks are big, rugged – and loved by thieves across the country.
This year’s Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles list, published annually by Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), shows a growing interest by organized criminals in Ford (“F”) series trucks.
Did you know that our association receives a contribution every time a member switches to Canadian Direct Insurance? Our sponsor, who incidentally has some of the best rates in the industry, forwarded this interesting link to us that looks at which are the most popular vehicles to thieves and how you can protect yourself from theft.
TORONTO – Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks are big, rugged – and loved by thieves across the country.
This year’s Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles list, published annually by Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), shows a growing interest by organized criminals in Ford (“F”) series trucks.
TOP 10 LIST
The Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles this year in Canada are:
2007 FORD F-350 SD 4WD PU
2006 FORD F-350 SD 4WD PU
2007 FORD F-250 SD 4WD PU
2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE 4DR 4WD SUV
2005 FORD F-350 SD 4WD PU
1999 HONDA CIVIC 2DR COUPE 2D
2004 FORD F-350 SD 4WD PU
2006 FORD F-250 SD 4WD PU
2000 HONDA CIVIC SiR 2DR 2D
2003 FORD F-350 SD 4WD PU
“The trend of stolen F-series trucks was also seen in Alberta where there was a 50% increase,” explained Rick Dubin, Vice-President, Investigative Services, IBC. “What’s more, for the first time in years, 3 stolen F-series trucks, intended for export, were seized at the ports of Montreal and Halifax.”
Given these trends, Dubin believes that the majority of stolen F-series vehicles were most likely re-vinned (given a false vehicle identification number (VIN)) and sold to unsuspecting consumers.
EXPORTING STOLEN VEHICLES
In addition to the increase in F-series trucks on this year’s list, high-end vehicles, including those made by Lexus, Audi, BMW and Mercedes, were a target for organized criminals who then likely shipped the vehicles to West Africa.
AUTO THEFT DECLINES
While the incidence of auto theft in Canada has decreased, it is still big business. In 2013, for example, 72,804 vehicles were stolen, an 8% drop from the previous year. However, organized criminals are concentrating on acquiring more high-end vehicles.
While most provinces showed a decline in auto theft, Newfoundland and Labrador had a 2% increase, Alberta an 11% increase and Yukon a 29% increase. Recovery rates for stolen vehicles continue to be low.
BUYER BEWARE
IBC reminds buyers to beware. Given the amount of stolen vehicles and parts that are sold online, if the deal seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.
If you are considering purchasing a used vehicle, be sure to purchase it from a reputable dealer, have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic and run a vehicle history check.
To be certain that stolen parts purchased online are not used in your vehicle; take your car to a reputable repair shop. Your insurance representative can give you recommendations.
“Taking these simple steps can help ensure your safety and may save you a headache down the road,” added Dubin.
REMAIN VIGILANT
“Don’t make it easy for thieves. Approximately 20% of all stolen vehicles have keys in them,” said Dubin. “Don’t leave your car running unattended while letting it warm up or when you to go into the coffee shop.”
A professional thief can steal your car in about 30 seconds, but you can help deter theft by taking these precautions:
Never leave your vehicle running unattended
Park in a well-lit area
Always close your car windows, lock the doors, and pocket and protect your keys
Put your valuables and packages in the trunk, where they’re out of sight
Keep your car in the garage at night
REPORT THE CRIME
To report an insurance crime, call IBC’s 1-877-IBC-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
For more information on auto theft, visit www.ibc.ca
ABOUT INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $48 billion.