The Car Theft Epidemic: Cars stolen and sold overseas

In 2022, the security camera of Logan LaFreniere caught two men stealing his pickup truck outside his house in Ontario, Canada. After making off with his vehicle, it was never recovered. A few months later, Logan found the truck being advertised for sale in Ghana, 8,500 kilometres away.

He recognised his car because of the same litter on the back seat and the attached laptop holder. That year, 2022, more than 105,000 cars were stolen in Canada, that’s one car every five minutes. Interpol listed Canada as a top 10 country for car theft, hence the police have had to issue public bulletins to inform the people on preventative car safety measures. The man in charge, Canada’s justice minister, had his Toyota stolen twice in this time.

Insurers had to pay out £860 million in Canadian vehicle theft claims in 2022. Because of the international insurance market, incidents such as these cause car insurance to increase across the world. We investigate what British car owners can learn from Canada’s increased security measures that are now commonplace in homesteads.

Why is car theft on the rise?

The car theft increase is directly linked to the global car shortage post-pandemic. Demand has increased for both new and old vehicles, therefore the reward is higher for the risk. Organised crime groups know which cars are more desirable and which are easier to sell quickly.

Criminal gangs use ports to store and export stolen goods. Jaguar Land Rover has recently spent thousands to fund police resources at ports, hoping to thwart stolen exports.

England and Wales see a rate of 220 thefts per 100,000 people. With the rise in the cost of living, more people are resorting to crime. They target typically more expensive cars, however, thieves have been known to force entry to steal items such as sat navs, sports equipment, laptops, purses and mobile phones.

Best Car Security Measures to reduce the likelihood of car theft

Car Trackers
Installing a car tracker is a popular solution that can aid in recovery and potentially help identify thieves. Many insurers may offer slightly reduced premiums for vehicles equipped with trackers, which often come with a compatible app that records location, speed, and travel time. For businesses, equipping fleet vehicles with car trackers is an excellent way to monitor and enhance driving habits and fuel efficiency. Trackers can also enable businesses to provide more accurate delivery times and updates to customers.

Car Immobilisers
Invisible car immobilisers can be activated remotely to prevent thieves from driving away with your vehicle. This cost-effective solution may require professional installation but offers effective immobilisation without the need for a PIN.

Physical Defences
Retractable bollards are increasingly being installed in homes across Canada. Similar to those found in city centres, these bollards prevent vehicles from being driven away and are suitable for both residential and commercial properties. The demand for retractable bollard installation services is on the rise. Electric gates that can be activated remotely are another effective solution. Garage doors can provide a physical barrier, but they require adequate space and the keys or remote devices must be stored safely.

Security Cameras and Lighting
CCTV should be installed in parking spaces and garages to monitor and record activity around your vehicle. Many security cameras offer night vision and can provide crucial evidence for law enforcement and insurance claims. With AI technology, motion-activated cameras conserve energy by only recording when movement is detected. Driveway security lights that activate upon detecting an intruder can help deter potential thieves and wildlife.

Tamper-Resistant Number Plate Screws
Thieves often swap out stolen vehicles’ number plates to make detection more difficult. Using tamper-resistant screws can significantly hinder their ability to remove your plates.

Anti-Tamper Wheels
Wheels are a valuable target for thieves, who may sell or scrap them. Investing in effective locking wheel nuts can help protect your vehicle’s wheels from theft.

Consider Both the Interior and Exterior of Your Vehicle
Roof racks, ladders, and top boxes can also be stolen, so be sure to secure these items whenever your vehicle is parked for an extended period. Always lock your vehicle and ensure windows are closed, including sunroofs. Use padlocks to secure tool chests and other valuables. A steering wheel lock can deter theft; choose one with a high-security rating. Consider anti-drill and anti-pick steering locks, and make sure to turn the steering wheel before securing it.

Insurance through a dedicated broker

Related articles