Key insights

As per City News Everywhere, car theft remains a serious issue in Montreal. 8,200 vehicles were reported stolen between January 1 and November 30, 2024, compared to 11,000 thefts in all of 2023. According to CTV News, the Fairview Pointe-Claire parking lot is the most targeted location for car thefts in Montreal, with 156 stolen vehicles in 2024.  The Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) reports that Montreal Centre/East has the highest car theft rate at 0.51%. It’s followed by Montreal West (0.37%), Laval (0.29%), and Montérégie (0.27%). As per Équité Association’s 2023 data, SUVs dominate Montreal’s most stolen vehicle list. Toyota RAV4 (2021) is the most commonly stolen vehicle (1,470 thefts), followed by the Honda CR-V (2021) at 1,291 thefts. The Sun reports that car theft in Montreal has led to a $1.5 billion insurance payout across Canada, making up 25% of all auto claims nationwide.

Car theft in Montreal has been a significant concern. As per City News Everywhere, Montreal police reported nearly 8,200 stolen vehicles from January 1 to November 30, 2024, compared to almost 11,000 in all of 2023. 

While this suggests a possible decline, car theft remains a pressing issue, particularly in high-risk areas.

According to data analysed by CTV News, 156 cars were reported stolen from the Fairview Pointe-Claire parking lot in 2024. This makes it the most targeted location for thieves in Montreal.

This works out to more than one car stolen every two days, earning it the title of Quebec’s car theft capital based on crime data.

The Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) provides detailed regional auto theft statistics. Their data indicates that Montreal (Centre/East) has a theft frequency of 0.51%, while Montreal (West) reports a frequency of 0.37%.

In comparison, Laval has a frequency of 0.29%, and Montérégie (Montreal suburbs) stands at 0.27%. 

The cost of a theft claim varies significantly across regions. It ranges from $26,217 in Montreal (Centre/East) to $46,335 in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Types of vehicles most targeted by theft in Montreal

In Montreal, certain vehicle models are more frequently targeted by thieves.

According to Équité Association’s 2023 data, the most stolen vehicle in Quebec is the Toyota RAV4 (2021 model), with 1,470 reported thefts and a theft rate of 1.09%.

Close behind is the Honda CR-V (2021 model), with 1,291 thefts, also at a 1.09% theft frequency. The Honda Civic (2016 model) ranks third with 609 thefts, at a lower theft rate of 0.28%. 

SUVs remain a prime target, with the Toyota Highlander (2021) reporting 481 thefts (2.61% theft rate) and the Jeep Wrangler (2021) at 459 thefts (1.50% theft rate). 

Other frequently stolen vehicles include the 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Series with 395 thefts (0.49% theft rate), the 2020 Hyundai Tucson with 390 thefts (0.58% theft rate), and the 2021 Acura RDX with 336 thefts (2.05% theft rate). 

Notably, the Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series (2023) has the highest theft rate at 4.04% despite having fewer total thefts (214 reported cases). The 2020 Kia Sportage rounds out the list with 167 thefts (0.39% theft rate). 

Methods used by car thieves in Montreal

Traditional methods of car theft, such as breaking windows or forcing locks, continue to be employed by thieves, particularly targeting older vehicles lacking modern security features. 

However, as vehicles have become more computerised, thieves have increasingly adopted digital tools to bypass security systems. 

According to Confused.com, thieves use different methods to steal cars. Their methods range from traditional breaking and entering to keyless theft, exploiting vulnerabilities in the car’s technology. 

According to Global News, car thieves in Montreal frequently exploit advanced technology to bypass security systems. 

One of the most common techniques is relay theft, in which criminals use devices to amplify key fob signals from inside a home. This allows them to unlock and start a vehicle remotely without needing the actual key. This method is particularly effective against cars with keyless entry.

As per The Sun, another widely used method is key fob cloning. Thieves use illegal programming tools to duplicate key signals and create a working copy of the car’s key. 

A report by CAA Quebec also highlights that signal jamming devices are another tactic thieves use. These devices block a car owner’s lock command so the doors remain open. Many drivers unknowingly leave their vehicles unsecured, making them easy targets.

Impact of car theft on Montreal residents

Car theft in Montreal has significant repercussions for residents, affecting both their personal security and financial stability. 

According to The Sun, car theft in Montreal has had a significant financial impact on residents, with insurance companies paying out $1.5 billion in auto theft claims across Canada. 

This accounts for a quarter of all claims nationwide and has led to rising insurance premiums, even as Quebec reported a 36% decrease in car thefts in 2024. Despite this decline, insurance rates remain high due to the volume of previous claims. 

Tech Xplore reports that car theft in Montreal is often linked to organised crime, with many stolen vehicles exported overseas through ports like Montreal. 

This trend indicates that car theft is not just a local issue but part of a larger, sophisticated criminal network, increasing concerns about public safety. 

Preventing car theft: Tips for Montreal drivers

Car theft remains a significant concern in Montreal, but drivers can take proactive steps to protect their vehicles. Here are some effective strategies from CAA Quebec:

1. Secure Your Key Fob – Store your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch or a metal container to prevent thieves from amplifying its signal and gaining access to your car. 
2. Use Physical Deterrents – Employ devices like steering wheel locks, pedal locks, or gearshift locks to make your vehicle less appealing to thieves. 
3. Install a Tracking System – Equip your car with a GPS tracking device to aid in recovery if it’s stolen. 
4. Protect the OBD Port – Use a lockable cover for your Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) port to prevent thieves from reprogramming a new key. 
5. Park Wisely – Choose well-lit, busy areas for parking and, if possible, use a locked garage.
6. Remove Valuables – Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight inside your car; store them in the trunk or take them with you. 
7. Keep Keys Safe – Never leave your keys in the ignition or inside the car, even for a short time.
8. Maintain Visibility – Ensure your home’s exterior is well-lit and consider installing security cameras to deter thieves. 

Law enforcement and policy initiatives for car theft in Montreal

In response to the escalating issue of car theft in Montreal, law enforcement agencies and policymakers have implemented several initiatives to combat this crime.

According to Canada’s National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, introduced in May 2024, the federal government aims to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups involved in vehicle theft. 

This initiative focuses on enhanced intelligence sharing and legislative amendments. It also aims to increase collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments to address rising auto theft rates.

In February 2024, the Canadian government announced a $15 million investment to strengthen law enforcement efforts against auto theft. 

Of this, $9.1 million was allocated to provincial, territorial, and municipal police forces to help manage detained stolen vehicles. In comparison, $3.5 million was directed to INTERPOL’s transnational vehicle crime project to improve international collaboration in tracking stolen cars. 

The Port of Montreal has also stepped up efforts to curb the export of stolen vehicles, recognising that many stolen cars are illegally shipped overseas. 

The port has launched a technology support program to aid in detecting and preventing vehicle theft at export points. They aim to reduce the number of stolen vehicles leaving Canada through fraudulent shipping. 

References:

• Alphonsine SEFU. (2024, June 11). Canada faces scourge of rising car thefts. TechXplore. [Tech Xplore]. https://techxplore.com/news/2024-06-canada-scourge-car-thefts.html 
• Blair, A. (2024, November 18). Warning over car key cloning as Amazon blasted for selling device that allows thieves to make duplicates… The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/motors/12919004/car-key-fob-cloning-devices-amazon-law-canada/ 
• Brown, K. (2024, August 6). Drivers facing $1,500 insurers’ surcharge if they don’t take 3 actions now – see if you have one of the affected cars. The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/motors/12127334/auto-theft-canada-car-insurance-rate-hike/ 

• Campion, A. (2022, May 27). 8 types of vehicle theft. Confused.com. https://www.confused.com/car-insurance/guides/eight-types-of-vehicle-theft 
• Canada, P. S. (2024, February 21). Government of Canada announces federal support for auto theft investigations and stolen vehicle recovery. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-announces-federal-support-for-auto-theft-investigations-and-stolen-vehicle-recovery.html 
• Canada, P. S. (2024, May 20). National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2024/05/national-action-plan-on-combatting-auto-theft.html 
• Gilmour, M. (2024, November). This parking lot has the most car thefts on the Island of Montreal so far in 2024. CTVNews. https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/this-parking-lot-has-the-most-car-thefts-on-the-island-of-montreal-so-far-in-2024/ 
• Groupement des assureurs automobiles. (2024). Statistics. GAA. https://gaa.qc.ca/en/statistics/claims-experience/auto-theft-by-region/ 
• Rubertucci, A. (2024, December 23). This Montreal West Island parking lot is a hot zone for carjackings. CityNews Montreal. https://montreal.citynews.ca/2024/12/23/montreal-vehicle-theft-safety/  
• Équité Association. (2025). Top 10 most stolen vehicles. https://www.equiteassociation.com/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles 
• Global News. (2025). Car theft technology: How thieves steal cars with new methods. https://globalnews.ca/news/10281983/car-theft-technology-to-steal-cars/ 
• Port of Montreal. (2025). Auto theft and port security: Addressing the issue. https://www.port-montreal.com/en/the-port-of-montreal/news/news/press-release/auto-theft 
• CAA Quebec. (2025). Car and parts theft: How to prevent it and what to do if it happens. https://www.caaquebec.com/en/advices/insuring-a-vehicle/car-and-parts-theft-how-to-prevent-it-and-what-to-do-if-it-happens