Summary - Organized Crime Involvement in Vehicle Theft in Canada

On this page

1. Why this assessment
2. What was found
3. Contact us

Why this assessment

This Criminal Intelligence Service Canada assessment provides an overview of organized crime's increased involvement in vehicle thefts in Canada and outlines the context in which they operate in as well as methods of operation.

What was found

• Reporting on organized crime involvement in vehicle theft has significantly increased in 2022/2023.
• Currently, the number of organized crime groups involved in vehicle theft exceeds 12% of all organized crime groups assessed by Criminal Intelligence Service Canada, an increase in reporting of 62% compared to 2022.
• Though higher-level organized crime groups and transnational facilitators are believed to be involved in the export of stolen vehicles, most vehicle thefts involve lower-level-threat groups, with violent street gangs being the most prevalent.
• The Port of Montreal remains the most prominent departure point for stolen vehicles exiting Canada.
• The majority of stolen vehicles being exported are destined for Africa and the Middle East, with many of those remaining in Canada used to enable other crimes before being subsequently destroyed.
• Vehicle theft is impacting most provinces, although methods differ between Western and Eastern Canada. In Western Canada, thefts consist mostly of crimes of opportunity, with vehicles stolen while left running or unlocked; in Eastern Canada, organized crime groups are exploiting more sophisticated vehicle technology.
• Enhanced prevention and/or the more frequent presence of owner/dealer installed anti-theft devices is expected to result in an increase in carjackings, and may ultimately lead to home invasions, resulting in increased levels of violence, given the prominent involvement of street gangs.

Contact us

For a copy of the full report, please send an email to the following address: rcmp.cisc-scrc.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.