Auto theft has reached unprecedented levels across Canada, particularly in major cities like Montreal and Toronto. According to industry reports, car thefts in Toronto have surged by an astonishing 150 percent over the past six years.
This trend mirrors a broader national pattern, with auto theft rates hitting record highs and insurers paying out $1.2 billion in theft claims in 2022 alone – three times more than in 2018. The situation is especially dire in Ontario, where auto theft claims have skyrocketed by 329% during the same period, resulting in over $700 million in losses across the province.
These numbers have continued to climb in the first half of 2024 – catalytic converter theft alone has risen by 60 percent – posing a significant challenge for both vehicle owners and law enforcement.
Industry experts attribute the surge in auto theft to several factors: increased demand for used vehicles and auto parts, supply chain disruptions affecting automakers, and advancements in car technology that make it easier for tech-savvy thieves to steal them. Organized crime is believed to be responsible for the majority of these thefts.
The implications of these trends are significant, with crime syndicates typically targeting higher-value vehicles to maximize profits, then selling them overseas or deceiving unsuspecting domestic buyers with altered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).
But don’t be lulled into a false sense of security just because you’re driving an 8-year-old Civic. In the current climate, almost every car is vulnerable to theft.
Car theft prevention strategies: VIN etching and car tracking systems
As governments and law enforcement agencies grapple with this national crisis, there’s a growing urgency for vehicle owners to implement their own anti-theft measures and strategies, beyond what might have passed for protection in years gone by.
Fortunately, there are practical proactive measures vehicle owners can take to reduce the risk of theft. Two of the most effective strategies involve VIN etching and professional auto-tracking. In this article, we’ll delve into these two services and how they contribute to protecting you from auto theft.
What is VIN etching, and what are the benefits?
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique code assigned to every vehicle. VIN etching involves permanently marking the vehicle’s windows with its VIN. This makes the vehicle more easily identifiable and traceable by law enforcement authorities, increasing the chances of recovery.
VIN etching is typically performed on all the windows of a vehicle: the windshield, side windows, and rear window. This helps provide protection, as thieves then need to replace or modify multiple marked windows of a stolen vehicle, a time-consuming process that increases the likelihood of getting caught.
As a rule of thumb, thieves target vehicles that can be resold quickly or stripped for parts. VIN etching makes this significantly more challenging. Since marked parts are easily recognizable as stolen, it’s harder for thieves to sell them without raising suspicion. This acts as a deterrent, as criminals generally prefer targets that offer quick, profitable returns.
Reduced resale value
Vehicles with VIN etching also have reduced resale value in the black market. Buyers tend to be wary of purchasing marked vehicles because of the obvious potential legal repercussions. This in turn diminishes the incentive to steal these cars, as thieves face more difficulties trying to monetize their stolen property.
Visible deterrent
An etched VIN is clearly visible on your vehicle windows, sending a clear message to criminals that it’s marked and traceable, further discouraging theft.
Potential savings on insurance
If you’re on the fence about implementing the procedure on your own vehicle(s), remember that many insurance companies offer benefits and discounts for vehicles with VIN etching.
Insurance providers understandably view it as a proactive measure that reduces the risk of theft-related claims, leading to cost savings for both insurers and vehicle owners.
Most professional VIN etching services provide documentation certifying that a customer’s vehicle has undergone the process, which is beneficial for resale value as well. Put simply, the money spent equipping your car with VIN etching might be covered by the insurance savings alone.
Professional VIN etching services in Canada
Several reputable companies across Canada offer VIN etching. These services are conducted by trained technicians who employ high-quality etching materials to ensure the markings are durable, discreet, and resistant.
VIN Lock’s professional services, offered through accredited merchants like UniglassPlus, guarantee precision and durability in the etching process, providing peace of mind to vehicle owners across Canada. Their proactive marking service is one of the most effective ways to counter theft, significantly decreasing the resale value of a vehicle on the black market. Additionally, a digital trace linked to each vehicle deters thieves and enhances the chances of recovery.
While all vehicles are susceptible to theft, owners of newer and upper-echelon vehicles especially would be wise to consider investing in professional VIN etching services to enhance the security of their vehicles.
Car tracking systems
Further to VIN etching, you should also consider incorporating a professional vehicle tracking service into your anti-theft strategy.
Pro auto-tracking services offer several advantages over consumer-grade devices like Airtags when it comes to preventing auto theft. While Airtags are certainly useful for locating misplaced items and tracking personal belongings, they’re not specifically designed or equipped to address the complexities of vehicle security and theft prevention.
Real-time monitoring
Unlike an Airtag, professional tracking services monitor your vehicle in real-time through GPS technology. GPS receivers installed in your vehicle continuously communicate with satellites to determine its exact location at any given time.
Vehicle owners and designated monitoring centers can then access that real-time data about your vehicle’s location, speed, and direction through secure online platforms and mobile apps. This real-time monitoring enables an immediate response in case of suspicious activities or theft.
Many professional tracking services also work closely with law enforcement agencies, enabling seamless coordination and collaboration with stolen vehicle recovery operations. UniglassPlus has partnered with Domino Tracking, a state-of-the-art solution to protect your vehicle from theft. Their methodology, extensive databases, and collaboration with the authorities have resulted in many insurers recommending their systems to their customers.
Tamper-resistant
Auto tracking systems are typically equipped with tamper-resistant features that detect unauthorized attempts to disable the tracking device. Any such tampering triggers alerts, prompting swift action to safeguard your vehicle.
Many tracking services also offer geofencing capabilities, letting vehicle owners set virtual boundaries around designated areas. If your car enters or exits these predefined boundaries without authorization, alerts are triggered, notifying you and the monitoring center of a potential unauthorized use or theft attempt.
Some of the more advanced tracking systems even include the ability to remotely immobilize the vehicle’s engine in the event of theft. Owners (or authorized personnel) can send commands through the tracking system to immediately disable the engine, preventing the thief from driving away with your vehicle.
Insurance benefits
Together, these features not only deter thieves but also significantly increase the chance of recovering your stolen vehicle, making them a sound investment. Plus, as with VIN etching, many auto insurers offer incentives and reduced rates for vehicles set up with pro tracking services as well.
The bottom line
At this point in 2024, a vehicle is stolen in Canada every 5 minutes. By investing in VIN etching and/or professional auto-tracking services you’ll significantly reduce your odds of becoming the next victim of auto theft. Doing so is well worthy of your consideration.