Three stolen Range Rovers and a call for accountability

Toronto real estate broker Christine Schensel finds herself in a difficult situation. Since January 2023, his 2019 Range Rover has been stolen not once, not twice, but three times. Even the rented car did not escape from the thieves. Despite returning his car twice, he says he won't keep it if it gets stolen again. Schensel's plight reflects growing concern about car theft, which he says is not being addressed enough.

The theft and recovery cycle

In a surprising twist of fate, Shensel's Range Rover was found twice in the same parking lot where it was originally stolen. The first time, the thieves abandoned it after it was reported that they used it for fun. The second recovery happened after the car was involved in a police chase and crashed. However, despite these interventions, the cycle of theft continued, leaving Shensel angry and frustrated.

Call for accountability

Schensel believes that insurance companies and car manufacturers need to do more to solve the problem. He says that while the insurance company was supportive, it did not take any proactive steps to prevent future thefts. Similarly, he believes car manufacturers should invest in better safety systems.

Big picture

Shensel's story is not an isolated one. Car theft is a growing problem in Canada, with approximately 90,000 vehicles stolen each year. That's about $1 billion for Canadian insurance policyholders and taxpayers. The federal government recognizes the complexity of this problem and recognizes that it will require a community-wide effort to combat it.

Ottawa recently hosted a day-long anti-vehicle theft summit with representatives from various levels of government, municipalities and law enforcement. The consensus was clear: the problem requires multifaceted and coordinated action.

Shensel's most recent car theft was right before this summit, which was the urgent warning needed to deal with the problem. As he grapples with the consequences of yet another theft, his resolve does not change. He refuses to turn his experience into a mere statistic and continues to advocate for change.

The theft of Shensel's car and its subsequent recovery reveal a complex dance between theft, recovery, and responsibility. It also highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to combating vehicle theft in Canada. As the country grapples with the issue, stories like Shensel's are a poignant reminder of the human toll behind the statistics.

Shensel's resilience against such repeated odds is commendable. His experience is a rallying cry for insurance companies, automakers and law enforcement to work together to solve the problem. After all, it's not just about cars, it's about people's lives and their sense of security.

As the conversation about car theft continues, one thing is clear: Now is the time to act. For people like Christine Schensel, the stakes are high and the need for change is more urgent than ever.