Ford, Ram trucks most common stolen vehicles in Alberta in 2019

Ford and Ram pickup trucks were the most common stolen vehicles in Alberta last year, according to a top 10 list by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

More than 330 F-350 SD fourwheel-drive trucks were stolen in 2019 with 95 of those being vehicles manufactured in 2006, according to the list released on Wednesday. More than 150 Ram 1500 vehicles were stolen, as well as 89 F-150s. More than half of the 577 vehicles stolen were manufactured before 2008.

Bryan Gast, national director of investigative services for IBC, said vehicles made after 2008 are required to have some kind of antitheft system installed. He said there are a few reasons why Ford and Ram pickup trucks dominate the list — including there being a lot of them in Alberta.

Gast said thieves are able to use stolen vehicles in a variety of ways.

“Sometimes vehicles are stripped down for parts to be able to fix other vehicles,” he said. “A concerning one, when it comes to public safety, is sometimes, not just these vehicles but all vehicles, can be stolen and used in other crimes, sometimes violent crimes where (thieves) don't want to use their own vehicle.”

The list was compiled using insurance claims from 2019. Gast said he hopes the list brings more awareness for people to be careful with their vehicles. He said IBC is working with its partners, including law enforcement, to collect more data to better combat theft, including figuring out the method thieves use.

Gast said they don't have data on how many vehicles are stolen while sitting idle compared to more sophisticated auto theft methods. He said with newer vehicles making the list including some from 2017 and 2018, drivers need to be cautious.

Gast said the problem is all across Alberta and isn't specific to urban centres or rural areas.

“Just because Alberta's list shows the top 10 as being pickup trucks doesn't mean that other vehicles aren't targeted, such as higher-end SUVS,” he said. “There's a lot of them in Alberta (so) that doesn't mean they're not being stolen, it's just that their numbers aren't in the top 10.”

Gast said there are several ways drivers can prevent theft, including placing their key fobs in protective boxes so the radio frequency can't be copied, purchasing a brake lock or other security device and not leaving vehicles unattended.

The most stolen vehicles in Canada include the Honda CR-V, Lexus RX350/RX350L/RX450H/RX450HL and Toyota Highlander.