Brokers may want to advise any clients who own a Ford truck or pricy SUV about a vulnerability that may cause thieves to target their vehicles over others.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has released its annual list disclosing the top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in the country, and while the rankings are similar to last year, researchers discovered that organized crime groups are employing a “different approach” when engaging in theft.
“We are seeing containers in the Montreal and Halifax ports stocked with car and truck parts,” Rick Dubin, vice president, investigative services, IBC, said in a statement. “Crooks are trying to fool Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and IBC by dismantling high-end, late-model vehicles.”
These may not be isolated events, as the evidence is startling: Dubin says that investigators have encountered containers “stocked with car and truck parts” in Montreal and Halifax, and that port officials have seized $10 million of stolen automobiles in 2015 alone.
The Ford F350 and Ford F250 pick-up trucks are particularly susceptible, and comprise nine of the top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada. A common feature omitted from these vehicles by manufacturers is likely the reason why.
“None of the top 10 stolen vehicles are equipped with an electronic manufacture immobilizer as a theft deterrent system, so they are easier to steal,” he said.
Brokers can aid in prevention efforts by discouraging clients from leaving their keys in their car’s ignition, since 60% of stolen vehicles recovered from ports have keys inside them.
“A vehicle left running unattended is not only easy to steal, it has increased value as a stolen vehicle,” Dubin said.
The 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada this year are:
1. FORD F350 SD 4WD PU 2005
2. FORD F350 SD 4WD PU 2006
3. FORD F350 SD 4WD PU 2007
4. CADILLAC ESCALADE 4DR 4WD SUV 2006
5. FORD F350 SD 4WD PU 2003
6. FORD F250 SD 4WD PU 2006
7. FORD F350 SD 4WD PU 2001
8. FORD F250 SD 4WD PU 2004
9. FORD F250 SD 4WD PU 2007
10. FORD F250 SD 4WD PU 2001
