Montreal resident Zachary Siciliani recently discovered his car missing, likely in connection with a surge in vehicle thefts across Canada. Dubbed a “national crisis” by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, this trend involves stolen vehicles being shipped through the Port of Montreal to overseas car lots for sale.
Siciliani suspects thieves used a device to intercept and copy the frequency of electronic key fobs, allowing them to steal cars without leaving any trace of a break-in. Ontario Provincial Police detective Scott Wade explains that while technology has made starting cars more convenient, it has also provided organized crime groups with opportunities for theft.
Thousands of vehicles have been stolen in major cities like Montreal and Toronto, with many ending up in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In Toronto alone, thefts of cars and light trucks have increased by 150 percent between 2021 and 2023. Most thefts occur at night from driveways, although some have been taken at gunpoint or by tow truck operators.
Experts attribute this crime wave to disruptions in vehicle manufacturing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to high demand and low supply. Organized crime networks are behind most thefts, aiming to supply foreign markets.
In 2023, car thefts by organized crime groups increased by 62 percent compared to the previous year, resulting in insurers paying out $1.5 billion in claims for stolen vehicles. Most stolen vehicles are shipped through the Port of Montreal, posing a challenge for law enforcement in intercepting illicit goods without hindering trade.
To address the issue, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government pledged to make key hacking devices illegal, impose stiffer penalties for car thieves, and allocate more resources to border agencies. Meanwhile, community groups are forming on social networks to help owners spot stolen cars, although many victims are informed that their vehicles are likely already gone.
Siciliani now protects his new car with a tracking tool, as insurance companies warn of significant rate increases without such measures in place.