The federal government’s plan to fight auto theft is working, according to the public safety minister.
Gary Anandasangaree released an update on the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft on Thursday.
“Auto theft is declining because of our strong partnerships with law enforcement, industry and provincial governments,” Anandasangaree said. “We are working to disrupt the organized crime groups who are at the centre of this and so many other crimes that affect our communities.”
The plan appears to be yielding results. After a significant decline in 2024, as police-reported incidents dropped 17 per cent, auto thefts have continued to decline nationally in 2025. A 19 per cent decrease was reported in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year.
Since early 2024, the federal government has invested $15 million to boost law enforcement efforts targeting auto theft. The Canada Border Services Agency received $28 million to increase its capacity to identify and search shipping containers for stolen vehicles, explore technological solutions, share intelligence and collaborate with domestic partners to recover stolen vehicles.
The CBSA intercepted 2,277 stolen vehicles in railyards and ports last year, an increase of 25 per cent over 2023. So far in 2025, the agency has intercepted 1,185 vehicles.
CBSA president Erin O’Gorman said she’s encouraged by the progress made through the action plan.
“Our border services officers are making a real difference in securing the supply chain and disrupting criminal activity at our borders,” O’Gorman said.
