Motor vehicle theft in Canada, 1996 - ARCHIVED

While most property crimes in Canada have been decreasing in recent years, motor vehicle thefts continue to climb steadily. This growth has caused concern among the general public and has resulted in increased use of anti-theft devices by car owners. The consequences of motor vehicle theft are largely monetary, but may also result in physical harm if the victim is robbed of their vehicle (known as carjacking) or if the theft results in a high-speed pursuit by police. Motor vehicles are usually stolen either for “joy-riding” (usually by youths), for re-sale by organized criminal groups or to commit another crime.