As in previous years, none of the top ten on the most frequently stolen list had an electronic immobilizer meeting the National Standard of Canada (ULC-S338/98). Immobilizers meeting this standard cut three vital circuits - the starter, the ignition and the fuel. On September 1, 2007, a new federal regulation took effect requiring Canadian manufacturers to equip all new cars, vans, light trucks and SUVs with electronic immobilizers. "We all know that immobilizers are effective at reducing auto theft. Their effectiveness has been backed up by numbers year after year," said Rick Dubin, Vice-President, Investigations, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). "Honda Civics are a good example. Newer year models in which Honda did install immobilizers meeting the National Standard of Canada appear much lower on the list."

IBC investigations and the recovery of stolen vehicles over the past few years illustrate an alarming trend that is becoming all-too prevalent in Canada. Organized auto theft rings are targeting high-end or desirable vehicles with the intention of exporting them overseas or chopping them for parts.

In that regard, the 2007 list shows three 2001 Audi Quattro models appearing in the top 30 most frequently stolen vehicles. "These models have moved up an average of 26 spots from their positions in the 2006 list, showing that the relative demand for these high-end, desirable models is increasing," said Dubin.

Also increasing in frequency are thefts of newer 4-wheel drive vehicles. IBC investigators have observed that these utility vehicles are often exported to countries with rough terrain, such as those in the Middle East and Africa. Dubin said, "IBC has been very successful in repatriating many of these high-end stolen vehicles from overseas, but more needs to be done to prevent Canadian vehicles from being stolen and exported in the first place."

Recognizing that auto theft is a serious and violent crime, IBC is urging the federal government to pass Bill C-343, which would act as a deterrent by making auto theft a separate offence under the Criminal Code. IBC also continues to advocate partnerships with local law enforcement and a dedicated presence of Canada Border Services Agency and IBC at key Canadian ports to help stop stolen vehicles from leaving the country.

"Auto theft costs Canadians more than $1 billion a year and all too often leads to the serious injury and/or deaths of innocent Canadians. This is not just a property crime. It is a safety and security issue for all Canadians. Auto theft has been shown to support organized crime and is believed to fund terrorism," said Dubin.

This Bill would amend the Criminal Code to create a distinct offence with enhanced penalties for the theft of a motor vehicle. The Bill provides that the sentence for a first offence would be a minimum punishment of a fine of $1,000, or to a minimum prison term of 3 months, or both. A second offence would result in a mandatory minimum fine of $5,000, or to a minimum prison term of 6 months, or both. A third and subsequent offence would result in a minimum fine of $10,000 and a minimum term of 2 years imprisonment with a maximum of 10 years.