The Government of Canada has announced significant progress in its fight against auto theft through its national action plan.
Officials credit the plan for spearheading targeted initiatives aimed at curbing vehicle theft, recovering stolen cars, and preventing their illegal export, all while tackling organized crime networks.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree praised the decline in auto theft, attributing it to collaborative efforts with law enforcement, industry, and provincial governments. He emphasized the collective endeavor to disrupt criminal groups perpetrating various crimes in communities.
In a remarkable feat, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported intercepting 2,277 stolen vehicles in 2024, marking a 25% increase compared to the previous year’s 1,185 recovered vehicles.
The government highlighted key achievements at a recent press conference, including a strategy for sharing Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) data with external partners like Équité and Carfax. Additionally, support has been provided to the Government of Quebec for intelligence sharing between local law enforcement and CBSA to swiftly reclaim stolen vehicles seized at ports and rail yards.
To bolster security measures, the government has ramped up cargo container inspections using RCMP vehicle detection technology and conducted targeted security assessments at high-risk port facilities in Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax. Furthermore, grants have been allocated to eight Canadian companies for developing innovative anti-theft solutions.
Recent statistics from Équité Association show a national decrease in auto thefts by 19% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This progress has been lauded by CBSA President Erin O’Gorman, who highlighted the agency’s enhanced data analysis capabilities, intensified container targeting, and unwavering commitment to acting on law enforcement referrals.
The government remains optimistic about the outcomes of the National Action Plan and is committed to further strengthening collaborations with partners to bolster anti-theft efforts.
