Here is one list you don’t want to be on this Christmas – the list of the most stolen automobiles in Canada.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the most stolen auto in the entire country is the 2000 Honda Civic SiR two-door.
Rounding out the Top 10 across Canada are:
– 1999 Honda Civic SiR two-door.
– 2002 Cadillac Escalade four-door, four-wheel drive
– 2004 Cadillac Escalade four-door, four-wheel drive
– 2005 Acura RSX Type S, two-door
– 1997 Acura Integra, two-door
– 2000 Audi S4 Quattro, four-door, all-wheel drive
– 2003 Hummer H2, four-door, all-wheel drive
– 2006 Acura RSX Type S, two-door
– 2004 Hummer H2, four-door, all-wheel drive.
The bureau issued the list Thursday, along with regional lists.
" . . . The appearance of high-value, all-wheel/four-wheel drive models on the list demonstrates that sophisticated, organized crime rings are involved. These types of vehicles are frequently targeted by criminal organizations that strip them for parts, resell them to unsuspecting consumers, or export them to countries where there is a high demand for upscale vehicles that can handle rugged terrain," the bureau said in a news release.
According to Statistics Canada, 108,172 vehicles were stolen in Canada in 2009. That’s down 15 per cent from 2008.
The insurance bureau reports that auto theft cost Canadians $419 million in 2009, not counting the costs of emergency response, courts, policing and deductibles.
Bureau vice-president of investigative services, Rick Dubin, said his organization will continue to fight auto theft and recover stolen vehicles.
He applauded the federal government’s recently passed Bill S-9 which cracks down on auto theft and gives the Canadian Border Service Agency the authority to seize stolen vehicles that are intended for export.
Aside from vehicles which are stolen for parts and exported to foreign destinations, thrill seekers are still stealing cars in Canada, Dubin said.
"In addition to sophisticated crime rings that operate as businesses, transportation theft (or so-called joy riding) still exists," Dubin said. "This type of theft is committed by someone just looking for a car that’s easy to steal, which can be used for transportation or to commit other crimes. The difference is that cars stolen for these purposes are often abandoned and found. Cars stolen by organized crime rings disappear."
Lists across Canada differ slightly. In Quebec and Ontario, the 2000 Honda tops the lists. In Atlantic Canada, the 1998 Dodge/Plymouth Neon 2-door is the most stolen vehicle and in Alberta the 2006 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD is tops.
IBC spokesman Mark Klein said insurance programs in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia are government operated. The Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing private insurers.
The bureau says a professional thief can steal a car in about 30 seconds. He said there are a number of things people can do to help protect their vehicles. They include:
– Roll up car windows, lock the doors and pocket the key.
– Keep the vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance in a purse or wallet at all times – not in the glovebox.
– Never leave valuable objects or packages in full view.
– Never leave a vehicle running unattended. Approximately 20 per cent of stolen cars have keys in them.
– Always park in a well-lit and busy area.
– At home, park in a garage if available and lock both the garage and car doors.
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Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Ontario:
1. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2. 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
3. 2002 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
4. 2005 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
5. 2003 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
6. 2004 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
7. 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4-door 4WD
8. 2004 Hummer H2 4-door AWD
9. 2003 Hummer H2 4-door AWD
10. 2003 Acura RSX Type S 2-door
Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Quebec:
1. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2. 2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2-door Hatchback
3. 1998 Acura Integra 2-door
4. 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4-door 4WD
5. 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi 4-door AWD
6. 1997 Acura Integra 2-door
7. 2006 Toyota Rav4 4-door 4WD
8. 2008 Toyota Highlander 4-door 4WD
9. 1999 Acura Integra 2-door
10. 2007 Toyota Rav4 4-door 4WD
Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Atlantic Canada:
1. 1998 Dodge/Plymouth Neon 2-door
2. 1998 Dodge/Plymouth Neon 4-door
3. 1999 Dodge Stratus 4-door
4. 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
5. 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
6. 2002 Chev/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500 4WD
7. 2002 Ford/Mercury Explorer/Mountaineer 4-door 4WD
8. 2000 Honda Civic 2-door Hatchback
9. 2005 Chev/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500 4 WD
10. 2002 Kia Rio RX-V 5-door
The Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Alberta:
1. 2006 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD
2. 1999 Dodge/Plymouth Neon 4-door
3. 1997 Dodge/Plymouth Neon 4-door
4. 2000 Honda Civic 2-door Hatchback
5. 1998 Honda Civic 2-door Hatchback
6. 1998 Dodge/Plymouth Neon 2-door
7. 2000 Honda Civic 2-door Coupe
8. 2004 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD
9. 1997 Dodge/Plymouth Neon 2-door
10. 1999 Honda Civic Si 2-door Coupe
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