2024 Budget: Liberal Government Targets Car Theft with Enactment of New Criminal Offenses
The federal government is cracking down on car thieves with a new budget that includes proposed Criminal Code offences specifically targeting auto thefts.
The Liberals are introducing new charges for violence during a car theft, connections to organized crime, and money laundering for criminal organizations.
They are also planning to outlaw the possession and sale of electronic devices commonly used in car thefts.
Additionally, a new aggravating factor will be established for thieves who involve minors in their crimes.
These measures come after a national summit on auto theft in early February that brought together law enforcement, government, municipalities, and private-sector partners to address the increasing issue.
An estimated 90,000 cars are stolen annually in Canada, with many of the thefts linked to organized crime.
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Insurance Bureau of Canada reported a record $1.2 billion in claims in 2022, coinciding with a 50% increase in vehicle thefts in Quebec and Ontario.
The government allocated $28 million in February to combat the export of stolen vehicles, primarily bound for Africa and the Middle East.
The funding aims to enhance the Canada Border Services Agency’s capacity for detecting and inspecting containers.
Insurers note that most stolen vehicles are taken from Ontario and Quebec and shipped through the Port of Montreal.
About 1.7 million containers passed through the port last year, with 70% of Canada’s legal vehicle exports included, according to port authorities.
An operation led by the Ontario Provincial Police at the port discovered 598 stolen vehicles in 400 shipping containers between December and March.
Insurance fraud prevention group Équité Association identified Honda CR-Vs, the latest Dodge RAM 1500 series, and Ford F150s as the top targets for thieves.
The budget also promises amendments to the Radiocommunications Act to regulate electronic devices linked to car theft.
