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Motor Vehicule Theft

According to Statistics Canada, nearly 500 vehicles are stolen every day in Canada. The millions of dollars paid in settlements increase your auto insurance premium whether you are the victim of car theft or not. As a vehicle owner, you have a role to play in reducing the chances for your vehicle to be stolen.

Vehicles are stolen for a variety reasons: to salvage parts, for joyriding, to sell them abroad, etc.  An individual is stealing a vehicle if she/he takes it with the intention to deprive the owner of it either temporarily or permanently.

If you are witness to your vehicle being stolen, dial 911 immediately. Describe the vehicle, the thief and the direction the robber went in. If you are not witness to the robbery, call 911 so that a Police Officer can write up a report.

Prevention tips

  • Park your vehicle in a well-lit area
  • Always lock the doors and close the windows, even if you leave your vehicle for just a few moments; i.e. to pay at a gas station
  • Do not leave your keys with people you don't know (valet, parking employee, etc.)
  • Engrave ID into the windows and major parts of your vehicle
  • To prevent theft at your residence, do not leave any documents with your address in your vehicle
  • Use an anti-theft immobilizer, a steering wheel lock, an alarm system or a tracking system.
  • Never leave your vehicle unattended while the engine is running, even just for a few minutes. 

Note that there are two violations under the Highway Safety Code for this type of offense. A $30 ticket (plus fees) is issued for leaving your vehicle unattended, without removing the ignition key, or without having locked the doors.

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Prevent your car from being stolen - Infoinsurance