It takes less than 30 seconds for a professional thief to steal your car.

A staggering number of cars, trucks and SUV’s are stolen each year, sometimes right out of the owner’s driveway. Annually, the Insurance Bureau of Canada releases a report detailing the make, model and year of the most stolen cars across the country. IBC works together with police services, insurance companies, and government agencies to prevent vehicle theft.  These joint efforts across Canada have lead to the decline in the number of cars stolen each year. However, the number of recovered stolen vehicles is on the decline.

Auto theft is big business in Canada, and in particular, within organized crime. When IBC, in conjunction with the Canada Border Services Agency, began patrolling ports for stolen vehicles, the thieves quickly changed the game plan. They are now simply dismantling the vehicles and shipping them overseas to be reassembled and then resold. Also, domestically, they reVIN the vehicle and resell it throughout Canada to unsuspecting customers.

The latest report lists the top ten stolen vehicles from 2013:

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada

The Honda Civic has made the top of the list for many years running. This vehicle also remains a number one seller in Canada, making it a target for thieves. With so many Civics on the road, there is a clear market for thieves looking to resell parts or a reVINed vehicle.

Canadians also love their rugged trucks and luxury SUV’s with four-wheel or all-wheel drive. This keeps the Ford F350’s and F250’s on the list together with the Cadillac Escalade.

To protect yourself, if you are in the market for a used vehicle, consider buying from a reputable dealer. If you should buy privately, IBC recommends that you run a vehicle history and have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic. Further, to avoid purchasing stolen parts for your vehicle, or having them installed during a repair, it is recommended that you deal with a reputable repair shop.

Quick tips for vehicle owners:

• Never leave the keys in the ignition. Pocket and protect them.
• Always roll up your windows and lock your doors.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• If you have a garage, use it.
• Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
• Always put parcels and valuables in the trunk.
• Never leave the ownership, credit card invoices or personal documents in your car.

Second to vehicle theft, and on the rise in Canada, is identity theft. By leaving personal documents with your information on them in the car, you are putting yourself at risk.

Use these tips to protect yourself and do your part to put these criminals out of business. If you have questions about whether your Escalade is on the most wanted list, or if you are wondering how much a Civic is to insure, call McDougall Insurance & Financial at 1-800-361-0941.