Auto theft falls 10.1% in Canada, but more than 20,000 vehicles stolen in six months
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابAuto theft continued to decline across Canada in the first half of 2026, with reported thefts falling 10.1% compared with the same period last year, according to a new report from Équité Association.
The number of reported stolen vehicles dropped from 23,093 in the first half of 2025 to 20,759 between January and June 2026. Despite the improvement, the figures show that vehicle theft remains a significant issue affecting thousands of Canadians.
Alberta recorded the largest decline at 15.1%, while thefts across Western Canada fell 14.3%. Ontario recorded an 8.4% decline, from 9,601 stolen vehicles to 8,796, while Quebec saw a 6.4% decrease. Atlantic Canada recorded the smallest decline, at 4.1%.
Équité says cooperation among law enforcement, governments and the insurance industry has contributed to the decline, but organized crime groups continue to target vehicles and use increasingly sophisticated technology-based theft methods.
For vehicle owners, another figure is particularly significant: Équité says 82% of thefts occurred at or near the victim’s home. A recent survey also found that only 18% of Canadians believe vehicles currently sold are adequately protected against modern technology-based theft methods.
The organization is calling for stronger anti-theft requirements in Canadian vehicle safety standards, while nearly three-quarters of Canadians surveyed support mandatory anti-theft technology in new vehicles.
