A recent report by Équité Association has identified specific vehicle models that are increasingly targeted by car thieves in Ontario and other regions of Canada. The association collaborates with law enforcement entities to combat criminal activities in support of the Canadian property and casualty insurance sector.
Although auto theft incidents have decreased in the Greater Toronto Area in recent times, Bryan Gast, the vice president of Équité’s investigative services division, highlighted that criminals managed to steal over $1 billion worth of vehicles across Canada in 2024. Despite advancements in security measures, criminals still view auto theft as a lucrative venture with minimal risks.
Data from Équité indicates that Honda and Toyota models were among the most stolen vehicles in Ontario in 2024. The 2024 Honda CR-V, 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Series, and 2019 Honda Civic were the most frequently stolen vehicles in Ontario that year. Additionally, national trends showed the 2021 Toyota RAV4, 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Series, 2020 Honda CR-V, 2023 Ford F150 Series, and 2020 Honda Civic as the top targets for car thieves.
Toyota Canada has emphasized its commitment to addressing theft issues seriously, implementing advanced technologies and services like the stolen vehicle locator system to combat auto theft effectively. The company continually enhances its security systems to counter emerging theft methods.
Équité’s recent report revealed a decline of 25.9% in auto thefts in Ontario during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. While law enforcement efforts have contributed to the reduction in theft rates, regions like Toronto, Peel, York, and Durham remain hotspots for such crimes.
Varun Vir Singh, an operations manager at Flex Point Security, noted that vehicles with high resale value, such as Toyotas and Hondas, are prime targets for thieves. Singh stressed the importance of implementing security measures to deter theft attempts.
Gast recommended several precautions for vehicle owners to safeguard their cars, including parking in secure locations, using immobilizers, tracking devices, and steering wheel locks. He emphasized the collective effort needed to combat auto theft and highlighted the adverse impacts of such crimes on communities, driven by organized crime activities.
Efforts to prevent auto theft, such as increasing public awareness and utilizing advanced security technologies, are crucial in safeguarding vehicles and curbing criminal activities in Canada.
