Motor vehicle theft in Canada, 2007: Highlights

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• Continuing the general downward trend that began in 1997, the rate of motor vehicle theft reported by Canadian police services fell 9% in 2007, the fourth consecutive annual decline.

• Despite recent decreases, motor vehicle theft remains one of the highest-volume offences in Canada. In 2007, police reported approximately 146,000 motor vehicle thefts, an average of about 400 stolen vehicles per day.

• Rates of motor vehicle theft are generally higher in western and northern Canada than in the eastern part of the country. In 2007, Manitoba's motor vehicle theft rate fell 10% but remained the highest in the country. The vast majority of Manitoba's motor vehicle thefts occur in Winnipeg.

• Young people commit a disproportionate amount of motor vehicle theft. In 2007, the rate of vehicle theft was highest among 15 to 18-year olds and gradually declined with increasing age.

• The lowest rate of recovered stolen vehicles was in Montréal, an indicator of the possible involvement of organized crime operations.

• In 2007, most vehicles were stolen from public places, such as parking lots or the street. In addition, about one-third of motor vehicles were taken from a private residence.