Auto Theft !!

Auto Theft

  Motor vehicle theft is one of the least likely crimes to be solved by police. Of all vehicle thefts in 2007, only 11% resulted in an accused person being identified by police. In 2007, police reported approximately 146,000 motor vehicle thefts an average of about 400 stolen vehicles per day. More than half (54%) were cars; another 35% were trucks, vans or SUVs; 4% were motorcycles and the remaining 8% were other types of vehicles. Auto theft has been decreasing since about the 1990's but for howlong?!

Auto theft it a global problem, however the rate of cars stolen in Canada is among the highest in the world. The top 10 highest auto theft rates per 100,000 population in Canada 2007 came from

1. Winnipeg, MB     1,714
2. Abbotsford, BC    1,001
3. Edmonton, AB     832
4. Regina, SK          734
5. Calgary, AB          638
6. Vancouver, BC      630
7. Saskatoon, SK     615
8. Montreal, QC        600
9. London, ON          489
10. Hamilton, ON        480

If you drive a broken down car or a luxury car you can still be a target. When people steal cars they are either looking for a thrill or a way to make money by selling your car for parts. So of course if they plan on selling your car parts for money they will mostly likly be wanting a car in good condition. However if the theif is young they may be looking for a thrill or a way of transportation. So it really doesnt matter what your car looks like. ICB's annual list of top 10 most stolen vehicles in canada is

1. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2. 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
3. 2002 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
4. 2004 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
5. 2005 Acura RSX Type S 2-door
6. 1997 Acura Integra 2-door
7. 2000 Audi S4 Quattro 4-door AWD
8. 2003 Hummer H2 4-door AWD
9. 2006 Acura RSX Type S 2-door
10. 2004 Hummer H2 4-door AWD 

To prevent your car from being stolen make sure you always roll up your windows and lock your car doors when your not in the car. Keep your vehicle registration and proof of insurance on you, in a wallet or purse at all times. Never leave these documents in the glove box. To prevent a theif from towing your car, when you park turn your wheels on a sharp angle and apply your emergeny brake.
Do not leave valuable items such as laptops, sports equipment or packages in clear view. Keep them in your trunk or out of sight so people wont be more tempted to break into your car. Also park in a well lit busy area.