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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.