Government of Canada Takes Bold Steps to Combat Rising Auto Theft Rates

Montreal, Quebec – In a joint announcement today, key federal ministers revealed plans for a National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft scheduled for February 8, 2024, in Ottawa. Led by Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, the summit aims to address the alarming surge in stolen vehicles across the country, with a particular focus on organized crime’s involvement in this highly lucrative trans-national activity.

Auto theft has become a pressing concern, not only for Canadians but also for the government, as criminal organizations profit significantly from the proceeds of such crimes. The summit is designed to foster collaboration and coordination among leaders from various jurisdictions and sectors to formulate a unified response to combat this growing threat.

Minister LeBlanc emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “By convening partners from across local, provincial, and national jurisdictions, this summit will enable us to further coordinate our collective efforts to combat auto theft. I look forward to our discussions.”

Disturbingly, industry estimates reveal a concerning uptick in vehicle theft rates in 2022. Quebec experienced a 50% increase, Ontario 48.3%, Atlantic Canada 34.5%, and Alberta 18.35% compared to the previous year. The Toronto area alone witnessed approximately 9,600 stolen vehicles in 2022, marking a staggering 300% increase since 2015, as reported by the Canadian Finance and Leasing Association (CFLA).

In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), police services noted a combined 104% increase in carjackings from 2021 to 2022. While transnational organized criminal groups are suspected of exporting stolen vehicles from Canada, most incidents involve lower-level threat groups, with violent street gangs being the most prevalent perpetrators.

The majority of stolen vehicles are destined for Africa and the Middle East. Some, however, remain in Canada, contributing to other criminal activities before being destroyed. Investigations into auto theft are primarily led by local police, but the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and Sûreté du Québec (SQ) collaborate in integrated task forces targeting organized crime.

At the border, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) closely collaborates with domestic and international partners, responding to 100% of referrals from law enforcement and intelligence sources to examine outbound containers potentially containing stolen vehicles.

Canada already has robust laws addressing motor vehicle theft at various stages, including conduct preceding the crime, possession and trafficking of stolen property, and tampering with Vehicle Information Numbers (VINs). The Criminal Code also includes comprehensive provisions to combat organized crime, enhancing investigative tools and sentencing for violent acts.

The government has been actively engaging with industry stakeholders, including port authorities, rail and shipping companies, manufacturer associations, and the insurance industry, as part of a collective effort to combat auto theft. The upcoming summit will build on these efforts, identifying short, medium, and long-term actions to strengthen initiatives and ensure the safety of communities across Canada.