Automakers are caught in a cat-and-mouse game with car thieves

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TORONTO – Automakers say car thefts are on the rise as they engage in a cat-and-mouse game with criminals.

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While they are taking steps to improve their security features, companies say each update is eventually countered by new efforts from bad actors.

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Honda Canada is one of the automakers at the center of the storm, as its CR-V is one of the most frequently stolen models, according to a November report by insurance fraud prevention group Equite.

Other Honda models popular with thieves include the Accord and Civic, both of which made the association's top 10 most stolen vehicles list.

Honda Canada knows theft is a serious problem and is constantly improving its theft recovery technology, company spokesman John Bordignon said in an email.

“(It) continues to be a cat-and-mouse game affecting all vehicle makes and models, with thieves and criminal syndicates constantly trying to defeat anti-theft systems,” Bordignon said.

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The federal government's Anti-Theft Summit on Thursday will bring together politicians, police, border agents and auto industry leaders to better coordinate and prevent theft.

On Wednesday, the government announced a $28 million federal investment to combat the export of stolen vehicles.

Honda has anti-theft systems, such as smart ignition keys with built-in transponders that must match the car's computer to work.

“If they don't match, the engine won't start,” Bordignon said. The latest technology is in the Honda CR-V, Civic and Pilot models, he added.

Honda also offers a locator system strong enough to penetrate metal shipping containers. It has an antenna that works as a standalone device, even when the car is turned off. The automaker said the system was installed stealthily to make it harder for thieves to find.

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However, these measures may not be enough.

Diagnostic tools, software licenses, and other hardware are easily accessible online, and YouTube tutorials often fill knowledge gaps for thieves, allowing them to easily gain access to vehicles or control how they operate.

Hacking into the vehicle and reprogramming the key is the most common method of theft, says Brian Gast, vice president of investigative services at Equite Community. Relay attacks are another way to steal a car, which involves intercepting the radio frequency between the key fob and the vehicle itself.

“There are other methods that are constantly being developed,” Gast said.

These crimes are well-financed and organized, and thieves are finding ways to beat technological updates, said David Adams, CEO of Global Automakers of Canada. The group advocated for stronger anti-theft policies.

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“There are different systems in place that can stop the problem for weeks or months, but before long (thieves) find another way to break into the vehicle's security systems and we're back to where we started,” Adams said.

He said Canada has stricter standards for immobilizer devices for vehicles compared to the U.S., which should mean less theft in Canada, but it doesn't.

“What is the general anomaly in Canada compared to the US?” It’s because of the proximity (to the Port of Montreal),” he said.

While on-street car theft is a national problem, Ontario and Quebec saw the biggest jumps between 2021 and 2023, according to a report released Tuesday by Equite. Ontario saw a 48.2 percent increase, while Quebec saw a 57.9 percent increase in vehicle thefts over two years.

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In 2022, insurers paid $1.2 billion for stolen vehicles in Canada, according to a report by Equite.

Most of the vehicles were exported through the Port of Montreal to countries in Africa or Europe, Gast said.

Toyota Canada, whose Highlander and RAV4 models were among the top 10 stolen vehicles, said in an email that car theft is largely a regional problem because of its proximity to the port, which makes vehicles in Ontario and Quebec more prone to theft. .

“This is a situation that we are very concerned about and we understand the public's concern,” said René LaRouche, director of communications for the Montreal Port Authority.

“Containers of stolen vehicles come here with sealed, false declarations,” he said. “We can't open the containers.”

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“We must and can work together to curb this problem and work upstream before the containers arrive at the port. By the time they reached us, the damage was done. But we are working with our data, our teams and a very secure area.”

According to LaRouche, the port authority will be able to do its job more effectively in dealing with this problem through measures such as 24/7 police access, biometric access control and surveillance tools.

Toyota Canada did not provide examples of its latest anti-theft updates, but acknowledged that thieves are quick to adapt to the changes. Toyota Canada spokesman Philip Crowe said if past methods of theft are ineffective, they may even turn to violence, such as carjacking or home invasions.

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“We are constantly improving the safety of our vehicles,” Crowe said. “This includes constantly introducing new or improved technical features to reduce the likelihood of vehicle theft.”

When asked about preventative measures, Ford Canada, whose F-150 is one of the targeted vehicles, cited a document from the Canadian Automobile Manufacturers Association, noting that automakers adhere to Canadian standards for engine immobilizer features. They are mandatory since 2007.

Stellantis, whose Dodge Ram 1500 series is one of the most stolen vehicles, also noted that it uses industry-standard vehicle protection technology and is working to improve its products. He also urged his customers to be vigilant about the safety of their vehicles.

Experts say that precautions such as parking the car in the garage or blocking the entrance with another car can help prevent theft.

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