The federal government said vehicle thefts continued to decline across Canada as efforts under its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft expanded.
Public Safety Canada reported police-reported motor vehicle theft incidents fell 16 per cent in 2025 after declining 16 per cent in 2024. According to the Équité Association report referenced by the government, national auto thefts also fell 10 per cent during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.
The government said recent measures have included the deployment of a mobile X-ray scanner in the Greater Toronto Area to detect stolen vehicles in shipping containers, amendments to the Customs Act to strengthen export inspections and proposed updates to Canada’s vehicle immobilizer requirements.
Officials also reported more than 2,800 shipping containers had been scanned using vehicle-detection technology in 2026. The Canada Border Services Agency intercepted 1,590 stolen vehicles at ports and rail yards in 2025 and another 830 during 2026 through September.
The government said it has invested $1.6 million in Canadian anti-theft technology projects and continues to work with law enforcement agencies, border officials and industry partners to disrupt organized crime networks involved in vehicle theft.
The update said Project NoCargo, a collaborative pilot involving the RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency, INTERPOL Ottawa, FINTRAC and financial institutions, recovered 392 vehicles valued at approximately $28 million.
The government said the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft will continue to be reviewed and updated as criminal organizations adapt their methods.
“Our National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft is delivering results,” said Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. “The continued decline in auto theft demonstrates what can be achieved through coordinated action and strong partnerships between governments, law enforcement agencies and industry partners.”
