Auto theft in Ontario has seen an 8.4% decrease in the first half of this year, as per a recent report by Équité Association. The report 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 in 2024 by the federal government in response to the significant rise in auto theft cases, particularly in Ontario and the Toronto area. The plan involved measures like bolstering 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 pivotal role of the action plan. He highlighted the increased surveillance to combat auto theft and the improved coordination with law enforcement agencies.

Despite the overall decrease in auto theft across Canada, Toronto has experienced an 8.8% increase in such crimes this year. However, in 2025, auto thefts in Toronto had dropped by 32.2% by the year’s end, according to a statement from Nadine Ramadan, a spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service.

Notably, a few years back, Toronto witnessed over 12,000 vehicle thefts within a year, totaling $790 million in value, as reported by the Toronto police. Of the approximately 70,000 vehicles stolen nationwide that year, around 30,000 were from Ontario, according to Équité Association.

The report indicates a nationwide downward trend in stolen vehicles for 2026. Compared to the previous year, the number of stolen vehicles in Canada has decreased by 10.1%, with Alberta seeing the highest decline at 15.1% and Atlantic Canada the smallest at 4.1%.

While the auto theft numbers are decreasing in Canada, Monchamp stressed the importance for auto manufacturers to safeguard against cyber threats. One of the primary enablers of car theft in the country is the use of small radio devices that can be easily obtained to hack vehicles, often facilitated by teenagers working for organized crime groups.

Manufacturers are actively addressing these cybersecurity challenges by updating software, incorporating tracking systems, and enabling phone connectivity for tamper notifications. Global Automakers of Canada president Lucas Malinowski emphasized the industry’s commitment to enhancing security measures and collaborating with insurers and law enforcement to address vulnerabilities exploited by criminals.

A recent survey by Équité revealed that nearly 75% of Canadian adults believe mandatory anti-theft technology in vehicles is necessary, with only 18% expressing confidence in the ability of current vehicles to withstand modern theft tactics.