Auto Theft

Auto theft is not only a problem in Canada, but also a global problem. It is expensive and dangerous for law abiding citizens. On average, one car is stolen per 3.5 minutes in Canada, which is 420 per day, 12,600 per month, and 153,300 per year. Out of these numbers, only 25% of stolen vehicles are recovered even though almost all thefts are reported to the police. That is an overwhelming number of stolen vehicles. Stolen cars and car thieves are dangerous because they have no regard to bystanders or the rules of the road. There are approximately 40 fatalities per year as a direct result of auto theft. There are a number of reasons why auto theft happens. The first, being joyriding, happens when a teenager's desire to drive a car causes him/her to take that vehicle. This is the most common reason for auto theft and in 2001 made up 42% of all auto thefts. Feelings of power, prestige, freedom, and sexual potency are associated with driving or owning an automobile. They do not steal for personal profit or gain but to experience the feeling of being on top and having a sort of authority. The second reason is the need for short-term transportation (similar to joyriding). It occurs when the thief needs to be somewhere and so they steal a car to get themselves there. They do not usually keep it as their own possession but use it as a tool to relocate themselves. The third is long-term transportation occurs when a thief takes a car for their use over a long period of time. They take it with the intention of using it personally for a long time. The fourth is simply for profit. They steal with the hope that they can later re-sell it and get monetary gain from it. Includes the theft of smaller scale items such as batteries, tires, etc. and sell them or use them for their own cars. The fifth is called commission of another crime. Occurs when an individual is commiting a separate crime and takes a vehicle during that other crime, like a getaway car.
Locations for the highest auto crime rates are as follows:

1. Winnepeg, MB      
2. Prince George, B.C.
3. Joliette Regie Intermun., Que 
4. Chilliwack, B.C.
5. Edmonton, AB
6. Surrey, B.C.
7. Kamloops, B.B.
8. Abbotsford, B.C.
9. Saint-Jerome, Que.
10. Maple Ridge, B.C.

According to these numbers, I think it's safe to assume that British Columbia is the most common place that auto theft happens.
The most common cars that are stolen in Canada from 2011 are as follows:

1. 2009 Toyota Venza
2. 1999 Honda Civic SiR
3. 2000 Honda Civic SiR
4. 2006 Ford F350
5. 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
6. 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS
7. 2007 Ford F350
8. 2001 Pontiac Aztek
9. 1998 Acura Integra
10. 1999 Acura Integra

Preventing the theft of your car is relatively simple and sort of common sense, although it often gets forgotten. First, always roll up windows/sun roof and lock doors. Put the keys in your pocket or your purse immediately after locking up. Do not leave them in the ignition or in your vehicle. Car thefts can happen in a matter of seconds and 20% of auto theft happens with the keys still in the ignition. Keep your vehicle registration and proof of insurance on you instead of in the glove box. Do not leave expensive items like laptops, CDs, or sports equipment in plain view, hide them or put them in the trunk. Park in well lit, public/busy, and open places. Get your car parts etched or marked which might deter theifs from taking and reselling parts of your vehicle. If you park in a private garage, lock both the garage door and your car door.
These are just a few obvious ways to lower the number of auto theft incidents and protect your personal vehicle from theft.