Gone In 60 Seconds
If you own a pick-up truck or high-end SUV beware
Do you drive a pickup truck or a high-end SUV?
Do you keep a close eye on it?
The Insurance Bureau of Canada says Ford F-Series pickups and higher end SUVs top the list of most stolen vehicles in Canada, many of them snatched and shipped overseas to meet the high demand.
In Ontario, Chevy trucks and high-end SUVs make up much of the Top 10.
National
1 2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
2 2006 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
3 2005 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
4 2004 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
5 2003 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
6 2006 FORD F250 SD 4WD PU
7 2001 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
8 2000 FORD F250 SD 4WD PU
9 2015 LEXUS GX460 4DR AWD SUV
10 2001 FORD F250 SD 4WD PU
Ontario
1 2004 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD
2 2006 CHEVROLET/GMC SILVERADO/SIERRA 2500 4WD
3 2003 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD
4 2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD
5 2003 CHEVROLET/GMC SUBURBAN/YUKON XL 1500 4DR 4WD
6 2002 CHEVROLET/GMC SUBURBAN/YUKON XL 1500 4DR 4WD
7 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500 4WD
8 2005 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD
9 2003 CHEVROLET/GMC SILVERADO/SIERRA 2500 4WD
10 2002 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD
And while most thefts still involve first getting one’s hands on the keys, IBC says there are more and more instances of electronic devices being used to read keyless entry codes from key fobs left in jackets or on hooks inside the front door of homes. The information gathered then used to open the vehicle door and start the engine.
Here’s what you can do to avoid such thefts:
- Check if entry fobs can be turned off – and do so at night if possible
- Store keys and fobs away from doors and windows. Keeping your keyless entry fob out of sight is not enough – thieves only need to be near it to amplify its signal
- Store fobs in a metal tin, but test it is effective in blocking the signal
And in general:
- Never leave your vehicle running when unattended
- Park in well-lit areas
- When parking your car, always close the windows and lock the doors
- Put valuables and packages in the trunk, where they’re out of sight
- Keep your car in the garage at night
- Don’t leave personal information in the glove box; take your insurance and ownership documents with you when you park your vehicle
