Taking steps to reduce car theft

Transport Canada is working to reduce car theft by making anti-theft immobilization devices mandatory for all new cars, vans and light trucks (including SUVs) built after September 1, 2005. These devices prevent unauthorized individuals from starting the vehicle and driving away. About 80 per cent of all new vehicles on the road in Canada are already equipped with anti-theft immobilization devices.

Theft of vehicles by young offenders is a serious problem that can often lead to injuries and fatalities. A study done in 2002 showed that between 1999 and 2001 the theft of vehicles by young offenders led to an average of 27 fatalities and 117 injuries each year. The new measures should benefit all Canadians by helping to reduce both vehicle theft and the collision-related injuries that sometimes result from these thefts.

According to Statistics Canada, the rate of motor vehicle theft has increased by 71 per cent since 1988. The agency's data also show that in 2001, more than 170,000 vehicles were stolen in this country.

While the provincial and territorial governments have jurisdiction for after-market additions to motor vehicles, Transport Canada develops standards and regulations for new vehicles manufactured or imported for use in Canada.

For more information, refer to Transport Canada's news release announcing the most recent anti-theft measures. For details on the changes proposed to the regulations, refer to the Canada Gazette, Part I, Vol. 137, No. 30 dated July 26, 2003

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