Top 10 stolen cars – The experience of having your vehicle stolen is something every car owner would hope never happens to them, let alone happen more than one time. Although the frequency of vehicle theft has been on the decline in recent years, the opposite occurred in Quebec during the period between 2016 and 2017. According to statistics published by the Groupement des assureurs automobiles, the overall average in the province had actually risen from 0.11% in 2016 to 0.13% in 2017.
While these statistics do not appear to be alarming, they do speak to a reality meriting the attention of vehicle owners. Indeed, the methods used by thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated, mainly because of technological advances. Tools such as wave jammers are frequently used in such cases.
WHY DOES A CRIMINAL TARGET A VEHICLE?
According to the Insurance Board of Canada, thieves generally steal vehicles for one of four reasons:
– To sell abroad: Stolen vehicles are often immediately packed – with their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) still intact – and shipped abroad, where they are sold for many times their original market value.
– To sell to unsuspecting consumers: Stolen vehicles may be given a false VIN and then sold to unsuspecting consumers. They can also be dismantled and sold for parts.
– To get somewhere: This may be referred to as ‘joyriding’. Auto theft of any kind is a crime and innocent people may get hurt or killed as a result.
– To commit another crime: Stolen vehicles used to commit other crimes are often recovered abandoned and badly damaged within 48 hours of their theft.
*Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in Quebec 2017:
1 – 2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
2 – 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
3 – 2016 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 4DR 4WD SUV
4 – 2013 LEXUS RX350/RX450h 4DR AWD SUV
5 – 2015 LEXUS RX350/RX450h 4DR AWD SUV
6 – 2003 FORD F250 SD 4WD PU
7 – 2015 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 4DR 4WD SUV
8 – 2015 TOYOTA TUNDRA 4WD PU
9 – 2014 LEXUS RX350/RX450h 4DR AWD SUV
10 – 2010 AUDI A5 QUATTRO 2DR 2D
Theft Prevention
Effective measures are currently available to avoid these unfortunate situations. For instance, a tracking system such as TAG, whose efficiency is such that its installation allows for a reduction in insurance premiums of up to 30%. This represents a significant savings for vehicle owners across the province.
The team at Lebeau Vitres d’autos welcomes dozens of victims of automobile theft daily and is in constant communication with insurers. It should be noted that in the rare cases where a vehicle equipped with this tracking system was stolen, it was ultimately found in 98% of cases.
By using the tools available to protect your vehicle – and especially remembering to lock your cars doors, can certainly help in preventing having it stolen. Be vigilant and be smart.
