Car theft: Montrealer says Jeep roof ripped off

Vehicle theft is becoming increasingly common and sophisticated across Canada, particularly in Quebec.

While criminals have found a number of ways to steal vehicles, one Montrealer experienced a particularly unique method: Thieves tore off the roof of a Jeep Wrangler.

The Pointe Charles resident asked not to be named for fear of persecution. He said his car had been broken into four times and he feared he would be targeted.

“We've had three attempts on our car in less than 48 hours,” he told CTV News.

“My wife was very scared and worried.”

Vehicle theft is on the rise in Quebec, according to the latest reports. In 2022, it increased by 50 percent compared to last year.

“In terms of cost to insurers, it's a 200 per cent increase,” said Pierre Babinsky, director of communications for the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

According to the bureau, it is 1.2 billion dollars. This is the first time that stolen vehicle claims have exceeded a billion dollars.

Even if you are a victim of car theft, your insurance premiums will go up.

“Depending on your policy, you could have 10 percent of your premium just paying for a lot of stolen vehicles,” Babinsky explained.

The Canadian government held a summit on vehicle theft on Thursday, and a national action plan will be released this winter.

André Durocher, spokesman for the Quebec CAA, expects to reallocate resources to fight this type of crime.

“Different squads will be formed involving the Montreal police, the Surete du Quebec, Longueuil, Laval, and they will work together and coordinate to deal with this at the highest level, not at the lowest level,” he said.

Motoring Protection Association director George Eaney said the summit would be beneficial but believes it will take at least 24 months to see significant cuts.

That starts with making cars harder to steal, he said: “That's why we need a new modern theft standard that makes it a little harder to steal cars when they leave the factory.”

In the meantime, Ini said car owners can take protective measures, such as tracking your car or hiring a professional company to park inside if possible.

Our unnamed Montreal Jeep owner is doing just that. He installed $2,500 worth of anti-theft barriers and no longer risks parking on the street.