Motor Vehicle Theft
Criminal Code — Section 333.1
Motor Vehicle Theft in Canada: the numbers
Police-reported incidents, Statistics Canada table 35-10-0177, 2015 to 2025.
83,652
Incidents reported by police, 2025
200.8
Rate per 100,000 people
-9%
Change in rate since 2015
7%
Incidents cleared by a charge
Rate per 100,000 people, by year
Rate by province and territory, 2025
- 1.Saskatchewan423.6
- 2.Northwest Territories411.3
- 3.Manitoba352.2
- 4.Nunavut320.3
- 5.Alberta316.6
- 6.Yukon277.6
- 7.New Brunswick253.0
- 8.Ontario186.7
- 9.Quebec153.3
- 10.British Columbia137.7
- 11.Nova Scotia134.0
- 12.Newfoundland and Labrador119.5
- 13.Prince Edward Island86.0
Definition
Motor vehicle theft is committed when a person steals a motor vehicle. Parliament created a dedicated motor vehicle theft offence under s. 333.1 in 2010, separating it from the general theft provisions. In 2024, Parliament raised the maximum penalty on indictment from 10 to 14 years to address Canada's escalating auto theft crisis. to address Canada's escalating auto theft crisis. The new provision recognizes that motor vehicle theft has become heavily linked to organized crime, with stolen vehicles often exported overseas through Canadian ports. Canada now experiences over 100,000 motor vehicle thefts per year — roughly one every five minutes.
Penalties
Classification
Hybrid offence. On summary conviction: maximum 2 years less a day and/or a $5,000 fine, with no mandatory minimum. The 6-month minimum for a third or subsequent offence applies only on indictment.
Maximum Penalty
Maximum 14 years imprisonment. Mandatory minimum of 6 months for third offence.
Examples
The Auto Theft Crisis in Canada
Motor vehicle theft in Canada has reached crisis levels, with the government declaring it a national priority:
- Scale of the problem:
- Over 105,000 vehicles stolen in 2023 — one every 5 minutes
- A 34% increase since 2021, reversing a 20-year decline
- $1 billion+ in insurance losses annually
- The Greater Toronto Area, Montreal, and parts of Alberta are the hardest-hit regions
- Organized crime connection: The majority of stolen vehicles are taken by organized crime networks. The typical process is:
- 1. Theft: Relay devices amplify key fob signals to steal keyless-entry vehicles from driveways
- 2. Storage: Vehicles are hidden in shipping containers within hours of theft
- 3. Export: Containers are shipped through major ports — particularly the Port of Montreal — to West Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe
- 4. Resale: Vehicles are sold in markets with less stringent VIN verification
- Government response: In 2024, the federal government hosted a National Summit on Auto Theft and committed to:
- Raising the maximum penalty for motor vehicle theft under s. 333.1 to 14 years and creating new offences targeting devices used to steal vehicles
- Investing in port inspection infrastructure
- Enhancing CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) scanning of outbound containers
- Working with the insurance industry and vehicle manufacturers on anti-theft technology
Prevention and Protection
There are several proven steps vehicle owners can take to reduce theft risk:
- Against relay attacks (keyless entry theft):
- Store key fobs in a Faraday pouch or box that blocks radio signals
- Keep key fobs far from exterior doors and windows
- Disable keyless entry features when not needed
- Physical deterrents:
- Use a steering wheel lock (e.g., The Club) — a visible deterrent that adds time to the theft
- Install an OBD port lock to prevent key reprogramming
- Use a wheel lock or tire boot for high-value vehicles
- Electronic protection:
- Install an aftermarket GPS tracker (hidden location varies from manufacturer tracker)
- Consider a secondary kill switch that prevents the engine from starting
- Enable factory anti-theft features and software updates
- Environmental measures:
- Park in a locked garage when possible
- Install motion-activated lights and security cameras on driveways
- Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas when using public parking
- Insurance considerations:
- Check if your vehicle is on the most-stolen list (published annually by Équité Association)
- Premium increases of 20-40% have hit high-risk vehicles and regions
- Comprehensive insurance covers theft; consider the cost-benefit of higher coverage for high-risk vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for stealing a car in Canada?
Under s. 333.1, motor vehicle theft is a hybrid offence with a maximum of 14 years imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment (raised from 10 years in 2024). On indictment, there is a mandatory minimum of 6 months for a third or subsequent offence. On summary conviction, the maximum is 2 years less a day. First offences typically receive sentences ranging from probation to 2-3 years depending on circumstances. Involvement in organized auto theft rings results in significantly longer sentences.
Why is car theft so high in Canada right now?
The surge is driven by organized crime networks that steal vehicles for export to overseas markets where they sell for double or triple the Canadian value. Modern keyless entry systems have created new vulnerabilities exploitable with relay devices. Insufficient container scanning at ports has allowed mass export of stolen vehicles.
What should I do if my car is stolen?
Call police immediately to report the theft and get a file number. Contact your insurance company right away. Check for GPS tracking data if you have a tracker installed. Notify your financing or leasing company. Do not attempt to recover the vehicle yourself. Monitor online marketplaces for your vehicle being resold.
What is a relay attack and how does it work?
A relay attack uses two electronic devices to amplify the signal from your key fob (which may be inside your house) to your car in the driveway. One device captures the key fob's signal near your home, and a second device near your car relays that signal, tricking the car into thinking the key is present. This allows thieves to unlock and start the vehicle without the physical key. The entire theft can take under 60 seconds.
Will insurance cover a stolen vehicle?
Comprehensive auto insurance typically covers motor vehicle theft, minus your deductible. The insurance company will pay the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of theft. File a police report immediately, as insurers require it. Be aware that premiums in high-theft areas (GTA, Montreal) have increased significantly due to the auto theft crisis.
Related Offences
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