Automobile theft has been on the rise over the last several years – many commercial properties have been left vulnerable as thieves continue to seek out vehicles to sell overseas or on the black market. How can we prevent auto theft and keep high value inventory secure?
The rise of automobile theft in Canada
Auto theft in Canada has been an ongoing and increasingly serious issue – in Toronto alone, more than 8,000 vehicles were reported stolen in 2022. Despite auto manufacturers’ efforts to improve technology that reduce vehicle thefts, thieves are often one step ahead and are continually inventing new ways to steal vehicles contained on a multitude of commercial properties & auto dealerships across the country.(1)
A recent police bust of a prolific auto theft group, responsible for stealing 78 vehicles in the Greater Toronto Area valued at over $10 million, is highlighting the need for proactive security in auto dealerships and other commercial properties where vehicles are in danger of being stolen.(2)
This comes on the heels of a three-month investigation by Peel Regional Police – the auto theft group targeted several different locations including underground parking garages, residential neighbourhoods, and even Pearson International Airport in Toronto. They were then loaded onto containers and taken to the Port of Montreal to be exported overseas. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the auto theft ring.(3)
Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police, said, “The results of Project R&R demonstrate that organized auto theft is a priority for Peel Regional Police. In addition to the nearly 2,400 stolen vehicles recovered in 2022, our officers have recovered over 500 vehicles in the first two months of this year. Canada has become a source for organized auto crime. The dedication of our officers as seen here today, combined with increased collaboration, enhanced enforcement and greater awareness will continue to make an impact in combatting auto theft.” (4)
There are ways we can all be more vigilant when protecting our vehicles from theft:
Purchase & install a steering wheel lock
Store vehicle keys or fobs away from windows and doors of businesses
If you own heavy machinery, park it directly it behind the more targeted vehicle
Auto theft is no small matter – they are expensive and necessary investments, and individuals and businesses rely on their vehicles for transportation to their jobs and work sites. Commercial properties in particular are a target where there are potentially millions of dollars’ worth of inventory. Often times, the loss of this inventory is discovered long after the crime has been committed.
A proactive approach is needed to properly protect commercial properties & auto dealerships to prevent vehicles from being stolen in the first place. We can help to secure these assets & inventory with our customized security and live monitoring solutions that protect your products from potential thieves.
How can we help prevent automobile theft on commercial properties?
Our proprietary surveillance technology is dedicated to early detection of criminal activity and deterring crime before it happens. Our Live Remote Video Monitoring service has revolutionized how sites are monitored and secured, using a combination of high tech security devices & human intuition.
Our Pole Unit offers complete site coverage through the use of high resolution stationary cameras to establish perimeter surveillance and a baseline of security protection. In addition, this innovative device features a high-res PTZ camera (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) that allows our monitoring operators to conduct live patrols and zoom in to capture specific footage, valuable descriptions, and details to assist in Police apprehensions.
Crime deterrence is the primary purpose of our technology – and the Live Communications Speaker is essential in effectively deterring trespassers and potential criminals. We’ve also integrated a high visibility LED Strobe Light that can be remotely triggered by our Monitoring Team to thwart criminals, and also alert or direct authorities to specific locations that are being trespassed.
In addition to our Live Video Monitoring, our syncroDetect service can provide an additional layer of protection and intrusion detection. Full coverage of every corner of a commercial property is essential to its security – syncroDetect provides an additional layer of defense, in high target areas such as showrooms at auto dealerships and indoor garages. Leveraging our proprietary cellular communications platform, this system can be deployed in areas where hardwired connections and video coverage may be difficult.
To provide protection, Wireless Door & Window Contact sensors & Indoor Motion Detectors can be equipped in areas within a commercial property that are prone to theft and damage. Engineered to integrate effortlessly into our existing remote video monitoring service, syncroDetect can help cover the areas of highest importance; offering additional protection to secure high value inventory that thieves are seeking out.
Our proprietary AI system is trained to distinguish human beings from other objects on your commercial property. This formidable technology is key to bolstering our live monitoring team’s ability to identify potential thieves on your site, and proactively deter them from taking any further action.
It allows our team to focus on what is important – the protection of your site and assets, and providing you with peace-of-mind that your property is secure.
Auto theft is on the rise in Canada, and a proactive approach is necessary to protect commercial properties from losing valuable inventory & fleet vehicles. Choose Caliber Communications as your Security partner; Canada’s leader in proactive remote video monitoring & technology.
Resources:
- “A major increase in auto thefts in 2022 has victims and industry experts calling for action”, CBC News, December 29, 2022
- “Peel police recover $10M worth of stolen vehicles, arrest 4 suspects”, The Canadian Press, CBC News, March 21, 2023
- “Investigation Takes Down Prolific Auto Theft Group”, Peel Regional Police, March 21, 2023
- “Investigation Takes Down Prolific Auto Theft Group”, Peel Regional Police, March 21, 2023