Pickup trucks continue to be the top target for auto thieves in Alberta, according to the latest report from the Equité Association. The organization’s 2024 rankings of the most stolen vehicles have pickups in five of the province’s top ten leading spots, with the Dodge Ram 1500 once again at heading the list.
Alberta’s top 10 stolen vehicles for 2024
- Dodge Ram 1500 Series — 383 thefts (0.40% theft rate)
- Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series — 312 thefts (0.31% theft rate)
- Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500 Series — 290 thefts (0.77% theft rate)
- Ford F150 Series — 249 thefts (0.23% theft rate)
- Ford F350 Series — 207 thefts (0.93% theft rate)
- Toyota RAV4 — 119 thefts (0.15% theft rate)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee — 115 thefts (0.34% theft rate)
- Honda CR-V — 105 thefts (0.19 % theft rate)
- Chevrolet/GMC/Pontiac Equinox/Terrain/Torrent Series — 101 thefts (0.22% theft rate)
- Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Escape/Corsair/MKC/Mariner Series — 97 thefts (0.15% theft rate)
Stolen vehicle stats for Canada
Across the country, the Toyota RAV4 was the most frequently stolen vehicle for 2024. More than 2,000 thefts were reported, with Quebec and Ontario accounting for the highest numbers of missing RAV4s. The 2021 model is most often taken.
Equité Association’s data, which is a not-for-profit dedicated to combatting insurance fraud and auto theft, includes household vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. More than 57,000 vehicles were stolen across Canada last year, down from more than 70,000 in 2023, however investigators have noted that newer SUVs equipped with keyless entry systems are particularly vulnerable. Organized crime groups target SUVs for resale in Canada and abroad, clandestinely shipping them overseas where there is major black-market demand. And tactics keep evolving.
A growing concern is the surge in “re-VINing,” where criminals replace a stolen vehicle’s identification number (VIN) with a fake one, making it harder to trace. The vehicle is then exported or used by organized crime groups to commit more crimes. Re-VINing has driven Alberta’s stolen vehicle recovery rate down from 87% in 2022 and 85% in 2023 to just 77% in 2024.
On the plus side, auto theft in Canada declined 19% overall. Unfortunately, auto theft insurance losses still exceeded $1 billion annually in 2024. Interestingly, theft of ultra-luxury vehicles valued above $200,000 has risen dramatically nationwide, increasing by 47.5%.
Protect your vehicle from theft
In terms of preventing vehicle theft, Équité recommends using a common-sense, layered approach, which consists of four categories:
Category 1: Start simple
- Keep car doors locked at all times
- Never leave your keys in the ignition or leave it running (even when it’s cold)
- Close all windows completely before leaving your car
- Park in a well-lit area, and do not leave any valuables in sight
Category 2: Install anti-theft devices
- Audible alarms, steering column collars, steering wheel/brake pedal locks, on-board diagnostic (OBD) port locks, and brake and/or wheel locks are all examples
- Theft deterrent decals and identification markers in or on the vehicle work to deter thieves
Category 3: Install a vehicle immobilizer. Examples are:
- Smart keys
- Fuse cut-offs
- Kill switches
- Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
- Wireless ignition authentication
Category 4: Invest in a tracking system
High-tech tracking services install multiple devices in difficult-to-locate areas throughout your vehicle. If your vehicle is stolen, they will be able to find it right away.
Start a community watch group
Social media can be a powerful force for good, especially when it comes to reducing crime and increasing neighbourhood awareness. Many Albertans are using strength in numbers to push back against criminal activity by building stronger, more connected communities. Across the province, residents are forming neighbourhood block watch groups that rely on social platforms to share real-time updates, warn neighbours about suspicious behaviour, and post security camera footage that may help police identify suspects. These online groups not only keep residents informed but also empower them to take an active role in protecting their streets. Community liaison officers frequently participate as well, offering guidance, answering questions, and providing valuable communication to ensure citizens know the safest and most effective steps to take should something suspicious happen.
Lane’s Insurance covers Alberta
At Lane’s Insurance, we are committed to helping drivers enjoy the lowest possible rates on auto insurance throughout Alberta. As a service-oriented company with multiple industry partnerships, we are able to provide highly competitive rates and value-added customer service. Contact us at our Calgary, Banff, Edmonton, or greater Alberta offices.
