A growing number of Ontarians (47 per cent) are “very concerned” about vehicle theft, a recent survey conducted on behalf of the CAA Insurance Company found.
According to the insurance firm, that number rises to 57 per cent when considering respondents living in Toronto, Ont., and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In other areas, such as Northern Ontario (14 per cent) and Southwestern Ontario (10 per cent), respondents were not as worried.
“As an organization, we are deeply concerned about the rising trend of auto theft in Ontario and across the country. The survey results highlight the urgency of taking comprehensive action to protect our communities,” said Elliott Silverstein, Director of Government Relations for the CAA Insurance Company, in a statement.
The number of respondents that are concerned about the increase in vehicle theft within the province is higher than the 30 per cent that are worried about the risk of having their own vehicle stolen. Based on the insurance firm, this suggests that many Ontarians potentially have a false sense of security when it comes to thinking that their own vehicle is not at risk of being stolen.
“Auto theft can happen to anyone, and drivers need to do more than just lock their doors to make their vehicle difficult to steal,” said Silverstein in a statement. “We are urging Ontarians to take additional preventive measures to safeguard their vehicles, making them less appealing targets for thieves.”
Although 82 per cent drivers ensure their vehicle is always locked, and 77 per cent make sure to hide their valuables, CAA also suggests securing the parked vehicle with an anti-theft deterrent (i.e. a steering wheel lock, brake pedal lock or wheel and tire lock device) — a safety tip that dealers can also provide their customers with. They can also remind consumers to store their key fob in a Faraday box/pouch to block the signal, and to cover their VIN so it is not visible on the dashboard.
