Équité Association has released its 2024 Auto Theft Trend Report, showing a national decline in vehicle theft following years of record highs.
The report indicates an 18.6% decrease in auto theft compared to the previous year, attributed to coordinated efforts by government agencies, law enforcement, and industry stakeholders. Despite this reduction, more than 57,000 private passenger vehicles were stolen in 2024, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety and the economic impact of auto theft.
The most significant decreases in auto theft were reported in Quebec (-32.4%), Ontario (-17.4%), and Western Canada (-12.7%). The national recovery rate for stolen vehicles stands at 59.3%, leaving 40% of stolen vehicles unrecovered. The report provides further analysis, including regional trends and contributing factors.
“2024 was a milestone year in the fight against auto theft in Canada,” said Terri O’Brien, president and chief executive officer of Équité Association. “Équité’s team of experts collaborated with provincial and federal governments, the Canada Border Services Agency, and law enforcement agencies at all levels to continue the downward trend. Momentum is on our side to disrupt criminal networks from profiting off insurance fraud, as we work on behalf of our industry members to prevent vehicle theft in Canada.”
"Organized crime networks are being funded through insurance crime and auto theft," said Bryan Gast, vice president of investigative services at Équité Association. "Our investigative teams work closely with national and international law enforcement agencies, enable industry collaboration, and provide cutting-edge intelligence to combat insurance crime. However, the single most impactful step we can take to prevent the continued funding of organized crime networks, including drug trafficking, remains making the vehicles harder to steal in the first place."
Équité Association and its members continue to work with stakeholders to reduce auto theft, enhance prevention measures, and support public safety initiatives across Canada.
