Auto theft continues to remain a major concern across Ontario, with new figures showing Toronto, Brampton and Mississauga ranking among the province’s costliest cities for insurance claims linked to stolen vehicles.
According to newly released data from the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Toronto recorded more than $114 million in auto theft insurance claims in 2025, representing a dramatic 253 per cent increase since 2017. Brampton followed with approximately $43.2 million in claims, while Mississauga reported nearly $31.6 million.
Although Ontario has seen a slight decline in overall auto theft claim costs compared to last year’s record-breaking numbers, experts warn the problem remains deeply rooted, particularly across the Greater Toronto Area.
The report revealed that organized criminal networks continue to dominate vehicle theft operations, targeting densely populated and affluent communities where high-end vehicles are more accessible and easier to move through transportation corridors.
Ottawa and Hamilton also experienced significant increases in auto theft-related claims, reflecting how the issue is rapidly spreading beyond the GTA into other urban centres and suburban communities.
Smaller municipalities are also being heavily impacted. The community of Clarington recorded the province’s largest percentage increase in claims costs since 2017, with a staggering jump of more than 1,200 per cent.
Insurance industry officials say organized crime groups continue to evolve their tactics, exploiting weaknesses in vehicle security systems and transportation networks.
Bryan Gast, vice-president of intelligence and investigations with Équité Association, described auto theft as a “high reward, low risk” crime that continues to fund broader criminal operations including drug trafficking, gun smuggling and international organized crime activities.
Gast said the GTA remains a prime target because of its large population, concentration of luxury vehicles and proximity to transportation routes leading to the Port of Montreal, where many stolen vehicles are shipped overseas.
Despite a recent decrease in reported theft incidents, recovery rates in Ontario continue to lag behind the national average. According to Équité Association data, only about 51 per cent of stolen vehicles in Ontario are recovered, compared to 59 per cent nationally.
Toronto Police data showed more than 7,300 auto theft incidents were reported in 2025, although that represented a decline of nearly 24 per cent from the previous year.
Industry experts say the recent reductions are encouraging but stress that governments, insurers, police services and the auto industry must continue working together to combat the problem.
Amanda Dean, vice-president for Ontario and Atlantic Canada at the Insurance Bureau of Canada, said progress has been made through increased collaboration between stakeholders, but warned the fight against organized auto theft is far from over.
Experts are also encouraging vehicle owners to take extra precautions, including installing tracking devices, using steering wheel locks, parking inside garages whenever possible and ensuring vehicles are equipped with updated anti-theft technology.
Authorities say continued vigilance is critical as organized crime groups expand operations into smaller communities and adapt to new enforcement measures across the province.