2020 List of Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in Alberta

Body
Model Year Make Model Style Count

2006 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU 95

2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU 67

2004 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU 60

2005 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU 59

2017 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD PU 57

2014 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD PU 56

2003 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU 52

2018 FORD F150 4WD PU 46

2013 FORD F150 4WD PU 43

2013 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD PU 42

Interviews

IBC’s National Director of Investigative Services, Bryan Gast, is available for interviews and
commentary on the list and how technology is changing the methods thieves use to steal
vehicles in Canada. Before Mr. Gast came to IBC, he spent three decades serving in law
enforcement in Ontario.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's
private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property
and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with
governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance
available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting,
valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps
educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow us on
Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or
business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.
777 Bay Street, Suite 2400
P.O. Box 121
Toronto, ON M5G 2C8
416-362-2031
fax: 416-644-4965
 Media Contact:
Vanessa Barrasa
416-550-9062
vbarrasa@ibc.ca

777 Bay Street, Suite 2400

P.O. Box 121
Toronto, ON M5G 2C8
416-362-2031
fax: 416-644-4965
 TOP 10 STOLEN VEHICLES -- BACKGROUNDER

Technology

While the technology in our vehicles continues to evolve, so do sophisticated auto thieves who
are using technology to bypass security systems and electronically gain access to Canadians’
vehicles. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is finding that technology is having a major impact
on vehicle thefts, evident in this year’s annual list.

Organized Crime

While some vehicles are stolen to commit another crime or to be used to go for a “joyride,” many
others are stolen by organized crime groups to be sold to unsuspecting consumers in Canada,
or abroad or to be stripped down for parts that are then sold.

Street Racing

There have been many stories of street racing and illegal car drifting events in many
communities across Canada. In a recent case, Peel Regional Police, York Regional Police and
the Ontario Provincial Police laid charges in Project Drift, addressing brazen illegal street racing
activities occurring on the streets and highways of the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.

According to police, the driving behaviours that were witnessed far exceeded the threshold of
what constitutes a dangerous driving charge. Investigators were able to determine that those
involved in these activities were engaged in highly organized and coordinated unsafe actions on
our roads, including taking over entire intersections and disrupting other road users’ travel. The
people involved with these groups are not car enthusiasts and are responsible for dangerous,
disruptive vehicle maneuvers including staged street races, drifting, stunting and other
dangerous driving behaviours. In addition, these behaviours often occur in the presence of large
crowds, increasing the potential for accidents and injuries.

Fighting Fraud

IBC has 19 in-house investigators across the country who work side-by-side with law
enforcement agencies and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify stolen
vehicles and cargo.

In 2019, IBC’s expert investigators worked side-by-side with their partners across the country to
identify stolen vehicles. These large investigations represent roughly $7.1 million in recoveries
for our members and generated significant media attention. Additional recoveries were procured
through IBC’s Ports Program ($20.7 million), AutoFind ($5.8 million) and IBC’s Cargo Program
($4.2 million in heavy equipment).

777 Bay Street, Suite 2400

P.O. Box 121
Toronto, ON M5G 2C8
416-362-2031
fax: 416-644-4965
 Tips to prevent auto theft

Even with today’s tech-savvy thieves, there are a number of steps Canadians can take to help
protect themselves from becoming a victim of auto theft.

• Don’t leave a keyless entry remote in a vehicle or unprotected at the front entrance of
your home. Thieves can use wireless transmitters to intercept the signal, giving them
access to the vehicle. Consider storing fobs in a protective box or bag in your home that
blocks the radio frequency identification (RFID) signal.
• Install an immobilizing device that prevents thieves from bypassing the ignition and hot-
wiring a vehicle. This can include devices that require wireless ignition authentication or
starter, ignition and fuel pump disablers.
• Install a tracking device that emits a signal to police or a monitoring station if a vehicle is
stolen.
• Don’t make your vehicle an easy target:
• Never leave a vehicle running when unattended.
• Lock the doors and close all windows when the vehicle is parked.
• Make sure to park in well-lit areas or in the garage.
• Use a visible or audible device that shows thieves a vehicle is protected.
• Consider using a deterrent like a steering-wheel or brake-pedal lock.
• Don’t leave personal information, like insurance and ownership documents, in
the glove box of your vehicle when parked.

Background

• Video – How to protect your vehicle from auto theft

• Infographic – Auto thieves don’t need your keys: Summary of auto-theft facts and theft-
prevention tips

777 Bay Street, Suite 2400

P.O. Box 121
Toronto, ON M5G 2C8
416-362-2031
fax: 416-644-4965