Trucks are still the vehicle of choice for thieves in Alberta.
Ford F-series and Dodge Ram trucks are the most popular vehicles to steal in this province, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, which has released its annual top ten lists of stolen vehicles.
The bureau said oil and gas companies have used these trucks almost exclusively, which has brought a disproportionately high amount of them to Alberta. Earlier models were easy to steal because many did not have theft-deterrent devices installed.
The 2020 list of the top 10 stolen vehicles in Alberta includes:
- 1. 2006 FORD F350 SD 4WD
- 2. 2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD
- 3. 2004 FORD F350 SD 4WD
- 4. 2005 FORD F350 SD 4WD
- 5. 2017 DODGE/RAM RAM 1500 4WD
- 6. 2014 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD
- 7. 2003 FORD F350 SD 4WD
- 8. 2018 FORD F150 4WD
- 9. 2013 FORD F150 4WD
- 10. 2013 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD
In Ontario, Lexus and Honda vehicles dominate the list. Some were stolen for export by organized crime groups, while others were identified in street racing rings. In Project Seagull in Hamilton, high-end vehicles were being stolen and “chopped” for parts that thieves sold on the black market.
In Atlantic Canada, the Chevrolet Silverado was the most-stolen vehicle. Vehicles like these were targets for export to foreign countries.
The 2020 list of the top 10 stolen vehicles in Canada includes:
- 1. 2018 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD SUV
- 2. 2017 LEXUS RX350/RX450h 4DR AWD SUV
- 3. 2017 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD SUV
- 4. 2018 LEXUS RX350/RX350L/RX450h/RX450hL 4DR AWD SUV
- 5. 2018 FORD F150 4WD PU
- 6. 2019 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD SUV
- 7. 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4DR 4WD SUV
- 8. 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4DR 4WD SUV
- 9. 2019 LEXUS RX350/RX350L/RX450h/RX450hL 4DR AWD SUV
- 10. 2017 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD PU
The bureau said electronic auto theft was on the rise across the country as more vehicles are equipped with technology like keyless entry remotes. Many high-end SUVs continue to be stolen for export.
IBC also saw cases where stolen vehicles were given false vehicle identification numbers and sold to unsuspecting consumers.
A growing trend in dangerous activities, such as street racing and illegal gatherings, provided a market for stolen small, speedy vehicles.
“Thieves have many motives. This year’s top 10 list confirms some key trends in auto theft that we are now seeing. Regardless of how a vehicle is stolen, auto theft is a serious threat to public safety and continues to cost all Canadians,” said Bryan Gast, national director with IBC investigative services.