Ottawa: A new report indicates a significant decrease in the number of vehicle thefts across Canada. Equité Association announced that vehicle thefts reported in the country during the first half of 2025 saw a 19.1% reduction compared to the same period in 2024. The association, which focuses on preventing insurance fraud and crime, stated that over 23,000 vehicles were stolen in Canada during the first six months of this year.
The most substantial declines in thefts were observed in Ontario and Quebec, with reductions of 25.9% and 22.2% respectively. Atlantic Canada and Western Canada also saw decreases of approximately nine percent. Brian Gast, Vice President of Investigative Services at Equité Association, attributed this positive trend to increased public awareness and the collaborative efforts of governments and law enforcement agencies.
Significant progress was achieved in Ontario and Quebec through the formation of specialized police units dedicated to preventing vehicle theft. However, Alberta continues to experience a higher incidence of vehicle thefts. The recovery rate for stolen vehicles has also improved, increasing by 3.4% to reach 56.5%.
Despite the decline in thefts, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) warned that rising inflation, tariffs, and the increasing costs of repairs and vehicle replacements continue to be a concern, leading to higher vehicle insurance rates.
