Auto Theft Falling, But Few Canadians Feel Vehicles Are Secure: Survey

Despite a significant drop in auto theft across Canada, a strong majority of Canadians feel their vehicles are not secure against modern theft tactics. A new survey by Équité Association found that only 18 percent of respondents believe current vehicles can withstand sophisticated methods like key fob attacks and reprogramming.

This lack of confidence persists even as Équité reports a 33 percent decline in auto theft nationwide since 2023. Nearly two-thirds of Canadians surveyed (64 percent) expressed worry about their vehicle being stolen. Bryan Gast, Équité's national vice president of intelligence and investigative services, noted that while efforts have reduced thefts, they have been largely reactive. He emphasized the need for preventative measures, stating, "We need the vehicles to be harder to steal in the first place."

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Canadians are feeling vulnerable.

The survey highlights a strong public demand for enhanced security, with 72 percent of Canadians wanting anti-theft measures integrated during vehicle production rather than offered as add-ons. Furthermore, 60 percent desire government mandates for manufacturers to implement advanced technology, and 66 percent called for a coordinated effort involving governments, industry, law enforcement, and vehicle owners.

These findings come as auto thefts, though declining from their peak, still resulted in nearly 47,000 vehicles reported stolen last year, with over a third never recovered. The issue has a significant personal impact, with 35 percent of Canadians having experienced auto theft themselves or knowing someone who has, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area and Peel region. The federal government has responded with a national action plan and legislative changes aimed at cracking down on vehicle theft.

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The decline (in auto thefts) is reflective of the efforts that have gone into place, but … all of that is reactionary. Vehicles are still being stolen. So to move to prevention, we need the vehicles to be harder to steal in the first place.