Is your SUV on the list? Most stolen cars in Ontario released

A GMC Yukon is parked along Burnhamthorpe Rd. in downtown Mississauga. The Yukon is listed three times in the Insurance Bureau of Canada's 2016 list of most stolen vehicles in Ontario. The rankings are released annually. (Photo: Kelly Roche/QEW South Post/file) — A GMC Yukon is parked along Burnhamthorpe Rd. in downtown Mississauga; the Yukon is listed three times in the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s 2016 list of most stolen vehicles in Ontario. Rankings are released annually. (Photo: Kelly Roche/QEW South Post/file)

BY KELLY ROCHE

Toyota 4-Runners are the most coveted SUV among car thieves in Ontario, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) which released its annual Top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles list Tuesday.

“After large declines in auto theft activity over the last decade, the number of stolen vehicles has gone up 6 per cent nationally, compared to last year,” said IBC’s Ontario vice-president Kim Donaldson, adding in Ontario the number has increased by 5 per cent.

High-end luxury SUVs are the most commonly pinched province-wide.

Auto thefts are on the rise across Ontario and Canada for the second straight year, and car thieves have expensive taste, eyeballing the payout.

Here’s the 2016 list of 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Ontario:

1. 2015 Toyota 4Runner 4-door 4WD SUV
2. 2014 Toyota 4Runner 4-door 4WD SUV
3. 2003 Hummer H2 4-door AWD SUV
4. 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD and 2003 GMC Yukon 4WD SUVs
5. 2015 Lexus RX350/RX450h 4-door AWD SUVs
6. 2002 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD SUV
7. 2015 Acura MDX 4-door 4WD SUV
8. 2011 Range Rover Sport 4-door 4WD SUV
9. 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD and 2004 GMC Yukon 4WD SUVs
10. 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD and 2005 GMC Yukon XL 1500 4WD SUVs

“Many of the high-end vehicles that are stolen in Ontario will end up in overseas markets,” said Donaldson, where they’re sold to consumers who don’t know they’re buying a pilfered car, chopped for parts, or used to commit another crime.

SECURITY, SECURITY

The IBC isn’t the only organization advising residents to be vigilant about deterring car thieves, who need less than one minute to get away.

“Don’t help would-be thieves by leaving your cars running, which goes against the security measures that the carmaker has put in place,” said Peel Regional Police Const. Mark Fischer.

Cars today, “with key fobs and push button starts, are safety measures to prevent cars from being stolen.”

A running vehicle left unattended isn’t just easy to drive off with.

It increases the value of the stolen vehicle “because it comes with the keys,” Donaldson said.

Fischer points out criminals aren’t only scoping vehicles left warming up in driveways.

“People are breaking into the houses and stealing the keys,” said Fischer.

“Don’t leave your keys in known areas – such as the front entrance of your home – because even if you lock your car … if they kick in your front door and your keys are right there, it goes against that whole logic as well.”

@qewsouthpost

SAFETY TIPS

Never leave your vehicle running when unattended.
Park in well-lit areas.
When parking your car, always close the windows and lock the doors.
Put valuables and packages in the trunk, where they’re out of sight.
Keep your car in the garage at night.
Don’t leave personal information in the glove box. Take your insurance and ownership documents with you when you park your vehicle.

(Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada)