Brampton remains one of Ontario’s hardest-hit communities in the ongoing auto theft crisis, according to newly released data from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), which places the city second in the province for vehicle theft-related insurance losses.
The latest figures reveal that auto theft claims in Brampton reached a staggering $43.23 million in 2025, representing a dramatic 565 per cent increase compared to 2017, when theft-related losses stood at just $6.5 million.
Only Toronto recorded higher losses, with insurance claims totaling $114.51 million. Mississauga ranked third at $31.57 million, while Oakville placed eighth with $12.75 million in theft-related claims.
The data highlights the continued impact of organized vehicle theft operations that have targeted communities across the Greater Toronto Area in recent years. While authorities have made progress in combating auto theft through enhanced enforcement and coordinated investigations, insurance industry representatives say the problem remains far from resolved.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Ontario’s overall auto theft claims costs declined to $485 million in 2025, down from $723 million in 2024. Despite this improvement, theft-related losses remain significantly higher than historical levels.
Since 2017, the number of auto theft insurance claims across Ontario has increased by 97 per cent, while the total financial losses associated with those thefts have surged by an alarming 330 per cent.
Insurance Bureau of Canada officials credited the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies, governments and insurance companies for helping reduce losses in recent years. However, they emphasized that sustained action remains necessary.
IBC Media Relations Manager Brett Weltman said the latest statistics demonstrate that auto theft continues to pose a major challenge and requires a coordinated response from all levels of government and stakeholders.
The organization is urging the federal government to fully implement measures outlined in the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, including stronger vehicle security standards and enhanced oversight of freight forwarding operations used to export stolen vehicles from Canada.
Peel Region has been a focal point in the fight against auto theft, with police conducting numerous investigations targeting organized crime networks responsible for stealing and exporting high-value vehicles. Recent law enforcement operations have resulted in the recovery of millions of dollars worth of stolen vehicles and multiple criminal charges.
For residents of Brampton, the latest figures serve as a reminder that vehicle theft remains a significant public safety and financial concern. Experts continue to advise motorists to use anti-theft devices, park in secured locations whenever possible, install tracking systems, and take additional precautions to protect their vehicles.
While the recent decline in provincial theft losses is encouraging, the numbers confirm that Brampton continues to be among the communities bearing the highest costs of Ontario’s ongoing auto theft epidemic.