A late-model Toyota Venza is currently the most sought-after vehicle by thieves, according to a new report from the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
The IBC has released its annual list of the most frequently stolen vehicles in the country.
It includes cars, cross-over vehicles and trucks, most of which were manufactured at least five years ago.
According to the Wednesday report from the IBC, the top 10 most-stolen vehicles are:
- 2009 Toyota Venza, four-door
- 1999 Honda Civic SiR, two-door
- 2000 Honda Civic SiR, two-door
- 2006 Ford F350 Pickup Truck, 4WD
- 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT, four-door and 4WD
- 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS, four-door and 4WD
- 2007 Ford F350 Pickup Truck, 4WD
- 2001 Pontiac Aztec, four-door and AWD
- 1998 Acura Integra, two-door
- 1999 Acura Integra, two-door
The insurance bureau warns that law-abiding consumers can become involved with the sale of stolen cars unwittingly, if they don't do their homework.
"Consumers need to be aware when they're in the market for used vehicle or parts," said Rick Dubin, the vice-president of IBC's investigative services.
"Those luxury, high-end vehicles may be hotter than you think."
Dubin said thieves may target more expensive vehicles because they can be resold on the black market and their parts are also valuable.
The IBC recommends that consumers buy used cars from reputable dealers and suggests that running a car history report can help prevent a problematic purchase.
Statistics provided by the IBC suggest that the number of auto thefts in 2010 dropped by about 15 per cent from the previous year.
That matches long-term trends seen in police-reported crime statistics, which have seen auto theft numbers gradually falling over the past decade. For the same 2010 year, Statistics Canada said auto theft was down 48 per cent from 10 years earlier.
