Montreal sees rise in vehicle thefts amid worldwide car shortage
There is a shortage of cars worldwide, and that's not only affecting consumers -- experts say thieves have noticed it, too.
Security professionals say car dealerships can't meet the demand for new, or even second-hand vehicles. That’s because the international supply chain for parts, such computer chips, has been severely disrupted by the pandemic.
A return to normal could take years, and international crime gangs are filling the gap, according to Charles Rabbat, a police liaison officer for the theft deterrent Sherlock system.
“Until they solve all the transportation and manufacturing [problems],” he said, “we recommend you put more protection on your investment.”
Car theft in Quebec has been on a slow but steady decline in the last 10 years. Right now, though, Montreal is recording an uptick.
For example, the Montreal police (SPVM) station in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is reporting a 38 per cent increase in thefts since last June.
However, “this isn't an area-specific problem,” police told CTV News in a statement. “In general, we notice an increase in car thefts on the territory. The SPVM stresses the importance of keeping your parked car locked at all times."
One of Montreal’s latest thefts involved two men who allegedly managed to steal a pick-up truck in a matter of seconds inside the parking lot of an east-end hotel. Officers are still looking for suspects.
Like an overwhelming number of stolen vehicles, there’s a good chance the truck is already sitting in a container ship, said Rabbat.
“They're being sent to Africa, west Africa, eastern Europe,” said the retired SPVM officer, “but eastern Europe will specialize in luxury cars.”
The most stolen vehicles by percentage remain high-end Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), specifically the Lexus brand, which make up five of the top six stolen cars.
The more modest Honda CR-V is the most stolen car in absolute numbers, but that's because it's also one of the top selling cars in Canada.
Modern thieves use electronic equipment to bypass keyless entry and alarm systems, though most vehicles are stolen using more traditional means, like forcing locks.
So, what do experts recommend?
“The more [security] layers you put, the more time it will take, and it's a deterrent,” said Rabbat, who added that while no security system is perfect, tracing technology, alarms, and steering locks are effective extra layers of protection.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.