Auto theft falls in Canada, but report warns organized crime is shifting tactics

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published February 12, 2026

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Auto theft in Canada declined in 2025, according to a new report from Équité Association, pointing to the impact of tighter coordination among governments, law enforcement and industry.

The Canadian Press, citing the report, said 46,999 vehicle thefts were reported in 2025 versus 57,359 in 2024, an 18% drop, and down 33% from 2023 when thefts surpassed 70,000. The report added that more than one third of stolen vehicles were not recovered.

Regionally, Équité said thefts fell 22% in Ontario and 25% in Quebec, but recovery rates remained low at 51% and 48% respectively. Western Canada saw an 11% decrease, while Alberta’s recovery rate fell to 71%. Atlantic Canada posted a 2% drop, alongside an 89% surge in vehicle finance fraud at the Port of Halifax.

Équité and related reporting also pointed to a 72% year-over-year increase in vehicle finance fraud detected at major ports, including Montreal and Halifax, as criminal networks rely more on identity theft and synthetic IDs.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada separately reported a 27% decline in auto theft claim rates in the first half of 2025 versus the same period in 2024, with claim counts and losses both down sharply.

IBC said progress followed the federal government’s February 2024 National Summit on Combating Auto Theft and subsequent measures, including investments and rule changes affecting CBSA enforcement capacity at ports, while warning theft levels remain above historical norms and continue to pressure insurance premiums.