Auto theft in Ontario has decreased by 8.4% in the first half of this year, as reported by Équité Association. The latest data reveals that 8,796 vehicles were stolen in the province during the initial six months of 2026, down from 9,601 in the same period last year.
This decline follows the implementation of a national action plan by the federal government in 2024 to address the surge in auto theft, particularly in Ontario and the Toronto region. The plan involved measures such as improving customs intelligence, exploring new detection technologies, and regulating the distribution of radio devices used for auto theft.
Dominic Monchamp, the director of investigation, intelligence, and investigative operations at Équité Association, emphasized the significance of the action plan, stating that it led to increased surveillance and better coordination with law enforcement to combat auto theft.
However, Toronto has experienced an 8.8% increase in auto thefts so far this year. In contrast, by the end of 2025, auto thefts had decreased by 32.2%, according to Nadine Ramadan, a spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service.
Just three years ago, Toronto witnessed over 12,000 vehicle thefts within a year, totaling $790 million in value, as reported by Toronto police. Of the approximately 70,000 vehicles stolen across Canada in that year, around 30,000 were taken in Ontario.
The downward trend in auto theft extends nationwide, with the report revealing a 10.1% decrease in stolen vehicles across Canada compared to the same period last year. Alberta saw the most significant decline at 15.1%, while Atlantic Canada had the smallest decrease at 4.1%.
Despite the declining auto theft numbers in Canada, Monchamp highlighted the need for auto manufacturers to enhance cybersecurity measures to prevent cyber attacks and ensure continued progress in reducing theft. One major vulnerability identified is the use of small radio devices by organized crime to hack into vehicles easily.
Manufacturers are actively working to address these evolving cybersecurity threats by updating software, implementing tracking systems, and incorporating phone connectivity features for real-time tampering alerts. Lucas Malinowski, president of Global Automakers of Canada, stressed the industry’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures to thwart organized crime groups exploiting vehicle vulnerabilities.
A recent survey conducted by Équité found that nearly 75% of Canadian respondents believe mandatory anti-theft technology in vehicles is essential, underscoring the importance of robust security features in modern vehicles. Only 18% of respondents expressed confidence in the current ability of vehicles to withstand modern technology-based theft tactics.