Federal Government Announces Funding to Combat Auto Theft

On Feb. 21, 2024, the Government of Canada announced a federal investment of $15 million to support law enforcement agencies’ work to combat auto theft. This figure is in addition to the previously announced $28 million funding to tackle the export of stolen vehicles.

Auto theft has become a significant problem in Canada over the past few years. According to the not-for-profit organization Équité Association, vehicle theft in 2022 rose by 50% in Quebec, 48.3% in Ontario, 34.5% in Atlantic Canada and 18.35% in Alberta, and this trend continued into the first half of 2023. Moreover, insurers paid over $1 billion in claims for stolen vehicles in 2022, a record high.

Organized crime groups often use the proceeds from auto theft to fund other crimes. The government’s latest crackdown aims to protect Canadian citizens and keep communities safe.

How the Government Will Distribute the Funding

The $15 million federal funding will be distributed as follows:

• A total of $9.1 million will be allocated to provincial, territorial and municipal police forces via the Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime. This funding aims to enhance the forces’ capabilities to take custody of confiscated stolen vehicles from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
• A total of $3.5 million will be allocated to INTERPOL’s joint transnational vehicle crime project, which will use strengthened information sharing to help identify and retrieve stolen vehicles and parts.
• A total of $2.4 million will help the Government of Canada engage with its partners worldwide, ensuring a coordinated response to auto theft.

The funding builds on measures previously announced by the government, including:

• A $28 million investment to help the CBSA detect and search shipping containers for stolen vehicles and explore detection technology solutions for this purpose
• Exploration of ways to ban devices employed in vehicle theft, such as the Flipper Zero
• Modernization of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to incorporate technological advancements that deter auto theft

Next Steps

The Government of Canada and its partners continue to work together to tackle the growing issue of auto theft. Additional measures could be announced in the future. In the meantime, fleet managers and individuals should review their vehicles’ safety, take measures to deter thieves, and check their auto insurance policies to ensure they’re covered against car theft and vandalism.

For information on trucking insurance, or to find out how to reduce your insurance costs call CMB at 780.424.2727 or click here to get a quote.