St. Thomas, ON – Wednesday February 19th 2025
For Immediate Release
The St. Thomas Police Service is committed to protecting our community and addressing auto theft locally and nationally. This campaign builds on our previous awareness initiatives, highlighting key trends and prevention strategies to help residents safeguard their vehicles.
Auto Theft in St. Thomas: 2024 Local Insights
- Most commonly stolen model: Chevrolet Silverado
- Most commonly stolen brand: Kia
- Vehicle theft occurs every eight days in St. Thomas
- Mondays and Tuesdays see the highest number of thefts
- The majority of thefts happen overnight
National Auto Theft Trends (Équité Association 2024 Report):
- 18.6% national decrease in auto theft from 2023
- Ontario auto theft dropped 17.4%, Quebec by 32.4%
- Organized crime remains a key driver of vehicle theft, often linked to drug trafficking
- SUVs are the most targeted vehicle type nationally
- Vehicle recovery rates: 59.3% nationally, 50.8% in Ontario
Preventing Auto Theft – Practical Steps:
- Lock Your Doors: Secure your vehicle, even at home
- Use Security Devices: Steering wheel locks, dash cams, and Faraday bags
- Invest in Built-In Security: Opt for vehicles with immobilizers
- Install a Tracking System: Improve recovery chances if stolen
Community Effort for Safer Streets:
Auto theft prevention requires collective action. By staying informed and taking protective measures, we can reduce thefts and create a safer St. Thomas.
