How to Prevent Car Theft in Toronto

Car theft in Toronto has been steadily increasing over the years, with auto theft accounting for almost 20% of all major crimes committed in the city in 2024. The latest statistics from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reveal a concerning trend in car theft. The most recent figures indicate that a motor vehicle is stolen approximately every 6 minutes in the province. These thefts range from traditional car theft to organized crime rings targeting luxury vehicles for illicit purposes, including resale or smuggling.

It’s now more important than ever to invest in proactive measures to protect your vehicles, which will be discussed throughout this blog.

Most Stolen Cars in Toronto

While thieves don’t discriminate when it comes to the type of car they’ll take, here is a list of the top five most stolen cars in Toronto in 2024:

• Toyota Highlander
• Dodge Ram 1500 Series
• BRebel/TRX and Ford F150/Platinum/Raptor
• Lexus RX Series
• Honda CR-V
• Toyota RAV4
• Jeep
• Land Rover
• Cadillac Escalade

Why is Car Theft Increasing in Toronto?

1. High Demand for Certain Vehicles
   Luxury cars and high-performance vehicles are particularly attractive to thieves due to their high market value, making them prime targets.
2. Keyless Entry Vulnerabilities
   The increased use of keyless entry systems has opened up new opportunities for car thieves, who can exploit vulnerabilities to steal vehicles.
3. Organized Criminal Activity
   Some car thefts are linked to organized crime networks, which further exacerbate the problem.
4. Resale and Export
   Stolen vehicles may be resold on the black market or exported, making them challenging to recover.

The economic and emotional toll of car theft extends beyond the cost of the vehicle itself, affecting victims’ lives and impacting insurance rates for everyone. This is where active deterrence camera systems come into play.

Understanding Common Car Theft Tactics

Knowing the different tactics car thieves use can help you understand how to prevent vehicle theft in the future. Common tactics include breaking into your car through its windows or doors, as well as simply towing the car out of parking lots. With vehicles being push-to-start now, thieves can also steal your car by hacking into its electronic system or intercepting the RFID signal of your key fob.

Top Car Theft Prevention Tips

So, how to prevent car theft in Toronto? There are many strategies that can be implemented to prevent or deter these crimes. The following are some of the best ways to protect your car from theft and ensure that it remains safe:

GPS Trackers

Putting a GPS tracker in your car would mean that in the event your car does get stolen, you would be able to track it, helping the police find it before your car can be sold or scrapped for parts.

Invest in a Faraday Box

To keep your car safe, store your key fob in a Faraday box. It’s a signal blocking case that prevents the signals from being hijacked (boosted or relayed.) This means car thieves won’t be able to remotely use them to unlock or start your car. If you park in a public place or do overnight parking, this is an easy and affordable to protect your car.

Install Security Window Film at Home

Car theft doesn’t just occur in public spaces. The city has seen an increase home invasion crimes as well. Security window film can deter this by preventing physical break ins from front doors with glass window panes. The backyard is also a common access point. Get security window film installed no matter what type of back door backyard entrance you have. It’s a simple and quick preventative measure that can go along way.

Live Video Monitoring

Live monitoring systems can help prevent theft before it happens. By installing CCTV systems and having cameras monitor your parking area in real-time, thieves will be deterred and may not even attempt to steal your vehicle. If they do, they’ll be detected right away and through the use of a 24/7 alarm monitoring service, an immediate response will occur.

Community-Level Surveillance

To better prevent break-ins of community areas like garages and parking lots, glass windows in those areas should be reinforced with security films. Security window films are shatter-proof, so if someone tries to smash through a window, the film would hold the glass shards in place. When a window gets broken, the film remains intact, protecting the area and leaving the potential thief empty-handed. Long-range surveillance also helps protect community areas with security cameras capable of monitoring larger areas, so that the entire parking lot is looked after and there are no blind spots.

Active Deterrence

Installing an anti-theft security system is one way to protect your car. This includes investing in an alarm system so that if anyone tries to forcefully enter the car, an alarm is triggered, creating loud noises and flashing lights which will deter the thief. Installing a steering wheel lock is also an effective deterrent method, along with a kill switch that will prevent your car from starting. Here’s a detailed insight on how TNSG’s solutions help prevent car theft:

1. Deterrence Through Visibility
   Car thieves prefer to operate in stealth and avoid any attention, but TNSG’s Active Deterrence Cameras disrupt this modus operandi by making their presence highly visible. When placed strategically around parking areas, driveways, or garages in Canada, these cameras send a clear message: “You are being watched.” This alone discourages many would-be car thieves from attempting to steal a vehicle.
2. Real-Time Alerts
   One of the key features of TNSG’s system is its ability to provide real-time alerts. When suspicious activity is detected around vehicles in Canada, the cameras can immediately notify security personnel or homeowners via a smartphone app or a centralized monitoring station. This rapid response capability allows for timely intervention to prevent theft in progress.
3. Two-Way Communication
   The two-way audio system adds another layer of deterrence in Canada. In the event of a potential theft, the homeowner or security personnel can directly communicate with the intruder. This direct interaction often leads to the intruder fleeing the scene, as they realize they are being watched, recorded, and can be identified.
4. Flashing Lights and Audible Alarms
   When a potential car thief is detected, TNSG’s Active Deterrence Cameras can activate flashing lights and audible alarms. These attention-grabbing elements create an immediate disruption and further discourage unauthorized access or theft attempts. The combination of visual and auditory deterrents can be highly effective in deterring criminals.
5. Integration with Law Enforcement
   TNSG actively collaborates with law enforcement agencies in Canada to ensure that stolen vehicle incidents are reported and handled promptly. When a car theft is in progress or has occurred, the camera footage can serve as crucial evidence for investigators, increasing the chances of recovering the stolen vehicle and apprehending the thief.
6. Data Analytics for Predictive Insights
   TNSG’s Active Deterrence Cameras are not just reactive; they are also proactive. Through the use of AI and data analytics, the cameras can identify patterns of suspicious behaviour. By analyzing historical data, these cameras can predict potential theft hotspots or times, allowing homeowners or businesses in Canada to take preemptive security measures.

How to Prevent Car Theft With Custom Tripwire Functionality

One of the standout features that distinguish TNSG’s Active Deterrence Camera Systems is the level of customization. Users are afforded the flexibility to configure tripwire zones that, when crossed, trigger the camera into action. Both the siren and the strobe light can be fully programmed, configured, and scheduled to operate at specific times. Alternatively, they can be activated and deactivated using a straightforward mobile app option. The sirens blare, and the red & blue police-style strobe lights commence their attention-grabbing display.
This level of programming ensures that property owners and security personnel have a powerful tool to deter criminals and signal their presence when needed most. Besides being effective deterrents, the sirens and strobe lights also serve as critical triggers for quick responses from law enforcement or security personnel. Criminals, caught off guard by these powerful effects, are left with little choice but to abandon their unlawful pursuits and flee the scene.

General Hints And Tips To Follow To Protect Your Vehicle

Vehicle Theft

Is largely preventable, and by adhering to the following safety measures, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen:

• Never leave your vehicle unattended while it’s running, even for brief periods. If you need to warm up your vehicle, either stay inside it or lock it and keep a spare key with you.
• Invest in a Faraday box for storing all car keys to prevent signal boosting, which could be used to unlock and start your car.
• Always maintain control of your keys and keep them out of sight when at home, preferably not near the door or hanging on a hook near the door.
• Ensure your doors are locked and windows are up at all times.
• Utilize a locked garage for parking whenever possible.
• Engage the emergency brake when parked.
• Avoid parking in isolated areas and always place valuables in the trunk, out of sight.
• Never hide a spare key in the vehicle and consider investing in anti-theft devices like ignition or fuel kill switches, car alarms, or tracking devices.

Carjacking

Is a separate issue from vehicle theft and involves forcibly taking a vehicle from a person who is in or near the car. If you fall victim to a carjacking, contact the police immediately. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of car theft in Toronto:

• Lock all doors and raise windows when driving.
• Avoid parking in isolated areas or near walls or shrubs where someone could hide.
• Use parking garages with attendants and request an escort when leaving malls or businesses at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings and have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle.
• If victimized and a family member or pet is still in the vehicle, inform the carjacker and assure them they can have the car.

Remain Vigilant About Personal Safety

• Keep your vehicle locked at all times and use well-lit streets when driving at night.
• If you suspect you’re being followed, pull into the nearest public place like a gas station – do not drive home.
• Plan your route before leaving, don’t pick up hitchhikers, and check your vehicle for any unexpected passengers before getting in.
• Car theft can happy so quickly, it’s essential to secure your vehicle diligently
• Always lock your car, even when it’s parked in your driveway.
• Keep valuables like cell phones and GPS systems out of sight or locked in the trunk.
• Consider installing anti-theft devices such as alarms and vehicle-tracking systems.
• Beware of distraction thieves who work in teams and often approach victims in busy parking lots with offers of assistance
• Stay aware of your surroundings and don’t allow yourself to be distracted.
• Keep your purse or wallet with you at all times and don’t leave purchases visible in your vehicle – lock them in the trunk instead.
• Have your keys ready so you’re not fumbling for them when approaching your vehicle.

Staying Ahead of Car Thieves with Improved Security Systems

In regard to vehicle security and car theft prevention, a layered approach, meaning more than one form of deterrence, should be used. At True North Security Group, we are committed to helping you protect your vehicles and properties. Contact us today to explore more safety options!