Organized Crime's Shifting Tactics Continue to Impact Canadians and Highlight Vehicle Security Vulnerabilities
TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- Équité Association today released its annual Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles lists. The Honda CR-V takes the number one spot in 2025, having also been the most stolen vehicle ranked by Number of Thefts in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, newly released luxury lines lead Équité's Theft Frequency list as organized crime groups are targeting vehicles to maximize their profits through domestic and international resale.
Both lists highlight that organized crime continues to capitalize on gaps in vehicle anti-theft technology. Canadian standards were last updated in 2007. Globally serviceable vehicles, like the Honda CR-V top the list by Number of Thefts, as ongoing security weaknesses leave them vulnerable. Équité's Theft Frequency list, illustrates that emerging luxury lines like the Lexus TX Series are experiencing disproportionately high theft rates (over 11%) relative to the number of insured vehicles.
"We must make vehicles harder to steal. With auto theft remaining a low-risk high reward crime, organized networks continue to exploit vulnerabilities, leaving tens of thousands of Canadians victimized, and communities emotionally and financially affected," said Heather Masterson, President and CEO, Équité Association. "Despite considerable collective efforts to combat auto theft, criminals continue to profit from the $900 million annually in stolen vehicles. But enforcement alone won't solve this. It requires a collective, preventative shift across the entire ecosystem, including working in consultation with Transport Canada to update and align the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations with global best practices. Canadians deserve peace of mind; they deserve to feel safe."
Équité Association's 2025 Auto Theft Trend Report revealed that national and industry initiatives resulted in an 18% Canada-wide, year-over-year decrease in auto theft when compared to 2024. However, 72% of Canadians polled feel that mandatory anti-theft technology should be built into their vehicles, not sold as an aftermarket add-on.
"We cannot let our guard down. Canada is a source nation for stolen vehicles, which is why Équité, in collaboration with government partners, law enforcement and key stakeholders, is working hand-in-hand to disrupt these increasingly aggressive criminal networks," shared Bryan Gast, National VP, Intelligence & Investigations, Équité Association. "Sixty-four per cent of Canadians say that when it comes to auto theft, they are worried about their own safety and that of their families. Those concerns reflect the current auto theft landscape where thieves are using key fob relay attacks and reprogramming to easily gain access to vehicles. Systemic vulnerabilities must be addressed at the manufacturing stage to prevent vehicles from being stolen in the first place."
On behalf of its members in the P&C insurance industry, Équité continues to work closely with all levels of government, and law enforcement to combat auto theft, protect Canadian communities, and advocate for necessary regulatory changes.
For regional Number of Thefts and Theft Frequency lists, visit Équité's website: https://www.equiteassociation.com/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles
Disclaimer
The minimum threshold for the Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in 2025 – Ranking by Theft Frequency list is 50 thefts per make/model.
About Équité Association
As the national authority on insurance crime and fraud prevention, Équité Association is a not-for-profit organization supporting Canadian property and casualty (P&C) insurers. Équité combats the insurance crime problem that takes advantage of vulnerable Canadians by deploying advanced analytics, intelligence best practices, and coordinated investigations. Delivering improved service and fraud analytics for vehicle, property, and cargo recovery to its members, Équité collaborates with law enforcement, partners and industry organizations to protect Canadians against exploitation.
SOURCE Équité Association
For more information, contact: Michelle Robichaud, Director, Media Relations, Équité Association, [email protected].
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