Auto theft trending toward ‘pre-crisis levels’ across Canada: report

Canada's auto theft rates are declining toward pre-crisis levels, according to a new report from Équité Association. The first half of 2026 saw a 10% decrease in reported thefts compared to the same period in 2025, with Alberta experiencing the steepest drop at 15.1%. However, luxury vehicles continue to be targeted, and profits from these thefts still fuel organized crime.

Bryan Gast, national vice president of intelligence and investigations at Équité Association, attributes the decline to the post-pandemic vehicle shortage, which encouraged organized crime to increase auto thefts to meet global demand. Despite the encouraging drop in thefts, luxury vehicles remain vulnerable, and profits from these crimes continue to support criminal organizations. Gast emphasizes that stakeholders must maintain their efforts, as complacency could expose vehicles to higher rewards with lower risks.

While auto thefts decreased from 23,093 in 2025 to 20,759 in the first half of 2026, luxury vehicles continue to be targeted. The report also highlights that while 80% of Canadians believe their vehicles' anti-theft technology is inadequate, 60% want government-mandated anti-theft technology in new vehicles. The Équité Association's February report revealed that while vehicle thefts fell sharply in 2025, almost 47,000 were reported, with more than a third remaining unrecovered.

The federal government's new national action plan, announced in February, aims to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute organized crime groups involved in auto theft through stricter penalties, increased inspections, and improved intelligence-sharing.