Ontario has witnessed a troubling trend in luxury vehicle thefts, with a significant number of high-end SUVs being targeted by thieves. According to the Équité Association’s latest report, the 2024 list of Canada’s most stolen vehicles reveals that the Toyota RAV4 leads the pack, followed closely by trucks such as the Ram 1500 and the Honda CR-V. Alarmingly, the Lexus TX has emerged as a particular favorite among car thieves in Ontario.
The Équité Association’s findings indicate that the RAV4 topped the theft chart with 2,080 reported thefts, making it the most stolen vehicle in Canada for this year. The previous-generation model has become a prime target due to its high resale value and widespread availability, with many of them populating Canadian driveways.
The Ram 1500 follows closely in second place with 2,018 thefts, while the Honda CR-V comes in third with 1,911 incidents. The Ford F-150, Canada’s best-selling truck, ranks fourth. Other vehicles rounding out the top ten include the Jeep Wrangler, the Chevrolet Silverado/Sierra, the Toyota Highlander, the Toyota Tundra, and the Lexus RX.
Frequency of Theft Presents a Disturbing Trend
While raw theft numbers provide insight, they do not fully capture the extent of the issue. A different perspective emerges when examining theft frequency, defined as the number of vehicles stolen relative to the number insured. Surprisingly, the Lexus TX ranks as the most frequently stolen vehicle in Canada. With only 967 units insured, the theft rate skyrocketed to 14.89 percent, translating to approximately one in seven vehicles stolen.
This trend becomes even more alarming in Ontario, where the theft rate for the Lexus TX soars to an astonishing one in four, indicating a serious risk for owners in the province. Following the Lexus TX in frequency are the Toyota Grand Highlander at 4.29 percent, the Land Rover Defender at 2.95 percent, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 2.73 percent, and the Range Rover at 2.44 percent.
The data highlights a clear pattern: luxury SUVs are not only desirable to consumers but also to thieves. As thefts continue to plague the market, the impact is significant, amounting to billions of dollars in losses annually.
Protecting Luxury Vehicles
For those considering purchasing a luxury SUV, the findings serve as a stark reminder to take preventative measures. High-quality steering-wheel locks, effective camera systems, and secure garages are essential for safeguarding vehicles. Owners might also consider investing in additional security measures to deter potential theft.
As the statistics illustrate, the appeal of luxury vehicles extends beyond their desirability to consumers; they are also highly sought after in the criminal underworld. The ongoing issue of vehicle theft in Canada underscores the importance of awareness and proactive protection for owners of these popular models.
