Ford F-350 leads list of most stolen vehicles in Canada

Auto theft is a growing problem across the country. Nigel Newlove with how thieves are exploiting design flaws and what's being done to try and stop them.

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – A list of the top stolen vehicles of 2019 has been released, and it’s not good news for one brand in particular.

According to the annual list, compiled by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), six different years of Ford F-350 pickup trucks are on the list along with the 2005 and 2006 F-250 four-door, the Lexus RX-350 and 1998 Honda Civic Si.

Last year, Ford F-350 and 250 trucks took nine of the 10 spots on the and have consistently been in the top 10 since 2013.

The IBC says thieves are continually using technology to bypass security systems and electronically gain access to different vehicles.

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The majority of the vehicles on the 2019 list don’t have ignition immobilizers, which are devices that prevent thieves from hot-wiring a vehicle.

“In 2007, the Canadian government legislated that all manufacturers had to have on-board anti-theft devices, immobilizers, on their vehicles,” explained IBC Head of Investigative Services Bryan Gast, who added most of the vehicles stolen were models older than ’07s.

“Since then, auto thefts have dropped about 38 per cent in the last decade. However, we’re starting to see an increase… and that’s largely because criminals are adapting, evolving, and using technology to steal these vehicles.”

He recommends not storing your key fob in a place at home where it can be easily accessed, as the signal it sends to the car can be cloned and thieves can make off with your vehicle that way.

“[Criminals] are in between your key and your vehicle and they’re capturing that signal and they’re using that device to unlock your vehicle,” he said.

There are several tips the IBC offers to prevent your vehicle from being stolen, including not leaving a keyless entry fob in a vehicle, installing an immobilizing device and tracking system.

The bureau also recommends you not leave your vehicle unattended while it’s running and make sure all doors are locked and windows closed.

-with files from Chris Bowen

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