The most frequently stolen vehicles in Ontario and across Canada have been officially identified in a revealing new report, with the Honda CR-V claiming the top spot for provincial thefts.
According to data released by Équité Association, a national organization dedicated to insurance crime and fraud prevention, 1,309 Honda CR-Vs were stolen in Ontario during 2024. The organization specifically noted that the 2024 model year was the most targeted version of this popular SUV.
Ontario's Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
The Dodge Ram 1500 Series secured the second position on Ontario's list with 1,159 thefts reported last year. Thieves showed a particular preference for the 2022 model of this pickup truck.
In third place was the Honda Civic, with 1,113 units stolen across the province. The 2019 model year proved to be the most vulnerable version of this common sedan.
The complete ranking of Ontario's most targeted vehicles includes:
- Honda CR-V: 1,309 thefts
- Dodge Ram 1500 Series: 1,159 thefts
- Honda Civic: 1,113 thefts
- Jeep Wrangler: 1,094 thefts
- Ford F150 Series: 1,093 thefts
- Toyota Tundra: 987 thefts
- Lexus RX Series: 966 thefts
- Toyota RAV4: 904 thefts
- Toyota Highlander: 815 thefts
- Land Rover Range Rover Series: 708 thefts
National Auto Theft Patterns Emerge
Across Canada, the theft landscape showed some variation while maintaining similar patterns. The Toyota RAV4 led the national list with 2,080 vehicles stolen in 2024, while the Dodge Ram 1500 Series followed closely with 2,018 thefts.
The Honda CR-V ranked third nationally with 1,911 units stolen. Interestingly, while thieves across Canada also preferred the 2022 model of the Dodge Ram, they targeted the 2020 model year of the CR-V most frequently.
The Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series appeared on the national top ten list, replacing one of the Ontario regulars. The most striking detail about these pickup trucks was that the 2006 model year was the most frequently stolen, making them the oldest vehicles on either list.
Organized Crime Drives Sophisticated Theft Operations
Bryan Gast, National Vice President of Investigative Services at Équité Association, emphasized the evolving tactics of criminal networks. Newer SUV models with vulnerabilities in their keyless entry systems remain prime targets for sophisticated operations, particularly in Quebec and Ontario.
Gast explained that criminal organizations are shifting their strategies. We're seeing a shift towards stolen vehicles being re-VINed for sale or disassembled in illegal chop shops and sold for parts, he warned in an official statement.
The situation appears to be escalating in certain segments. Gast noted a concerning 47.5% spike in thefts of high-value luxury vehicles priced over $200,000, indicating that criminals are focusing on maximizing their illegal profits.
Terri O'Brien, President and CEO of Équité Association, provided context about the broader impact of vehicle theft. Despite a 19% decrease in auto theft nationwide, this crime continues to cost Canadians over $1 billion in losses each year.
O'Brien stressed that auto theft has become a significant funding source for organized crime groups, with honest, hardworking Canadians bearing the true emotional and financial burden of these crimes.
The report serves as a crucial reminder for vehicle owners to invest in proper security systems and remain vigilant about protecting their property from increasingly sophisticated theft operations.
