Auto theft drop 10 per cent in first half of 2026

Équité Association’s First Half of 2026 Auto Theft Trend Report shows a national 10.1 per cent decline in auto theft compared with the same period in 2025. The organization says the drop shows strong coordination between insurers, law enforcement and government, but that long-term progress depends on modernizing vehicle security standards.

The report shows 20,759 vehicles stolen across Canada between January and June, down from 23,093 in the first half of 2025. Western Canada recorded the largest decline at 14.3 per cent, followed by Alberta at 15.1 per cent, Ontario at 8.4 per cent, Quebec at 6.4 per cent and Atlantic Canada at 4.1 per cent.

Bryan Gast, national vice president of intelligence and investigations at Équité Association, said the results show the impact of joint efforts across the insurance industry and law enforcement. He said sustained progress now requires Transport Canada to update the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations so manufacturers build stronger anti-theft technology into new vehicles.

“79% of Canadians are troubled by the broader impact of crime in their communities. They deserve to feel safe,” said Gast. “Organized criminal networks use the proceeds they generate from auto theft, including insurance fraud, to fund international terrorism, guns and drugs.”

Équité’s 2026 Canadian Auto Theft Impact Survey found that nearly 75 per cent of Canadians want mandatory built-in anti-theft technology. The survey also reported that 82 per cent of thefts occur at or near the victim’s home and that 79 per cent of Canadians are concerned about the broader impact of crime in their communities.