Vehicle thefts increase 40 per cent in Atlantic provinces: report
Car theft is dramatically on the rise in the Atlantic region, according to numbers released by an online insurance and financial product comparison program.
“We are aware of an uptick in crimes of opportunity,” said Halifax Regional Police Const. John McLeod.
According to the data produced by HelloSafe, the rate of cars being stolen increased by almost 41 per cent between 2020 and 2021 in Atlantic Canada.
HelloSafe’s new data on 2021 car thefts in Atlantic Canada shows:
- close to 1,100 vehicle theft claims were registered by insurance companies -- a 40.6 per cent increase from the year before
- sedans, most notably the Chevrolet Cruze, represented 40.8 per cent of all claims
- per capita, there were 4.5 vehicle thefts per 10,000 inhabitants in the Atlantic Provinces in 2021
It’s a nightmare for insurance companies.
In the U.S., multiple automotive insurance providers are now refusing to cover certain models because they lack basic anti-theft features.
As for a possible explanation for the increase?
“We are experiencing right now, some shortages of vehicle parts,” said HelloSafe’s Alexandre Desoutter. “That makes this kind of crime more valuable than before.”
Police are encouraging people to avoid leaving their key fobs close to the front door of their homes, to stop would-be thieves who can attempt to clone remote car keys from close proximity.
Some cars are still getting stolen in old-fashioned, low-tech ways like hot wiring.
There are other more basic tips to avoid car theft.
“Never leave your vehicle running or with your keys in it,” said McLeod, who added people should always park their car in well-lit areas with no visible values inside.
“If you are aware that your vehicle has become stolen, it is important to report it right away,” said McLeod.
Reported stolen vehicles are entered into a national database and are available to police officers across the country, who could possibly retrieve it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
Manhunt underway after 5 people injured in Kentucky shooting near Interstate 75, officials say
Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Ky., according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
Three teens charged for armed robbery at Kitchener jewelry store
Three teens were arrested for an armed robbery at a Kitchener jewelry store after witnesses caught and detained the suspects until officers arrived on scene.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.