Property Management

March 4, 2025 Published by Toronto and Area Chapter - By Ryan Ricci

Auto Theft in Ontario: A Growing Concern

From the Winter 2024 issue of CCI Toronto Condovoice Magazine.

Practical measures for condominium property managers

Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is home to vibrant urban centers like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton. However, alongside its rapid growth and economic prosperity, Ontario has seen a troubling rise in auto theft. With vehicle thefts steadily increasing across the province, condominium property managers and their security providers face a significant challenge. Not only are they tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, but they must also protect one of the most valuable possessions of many residents: their vehicles.

In this article, we will explore the rise in auto theft across Ontario, the factors contributing to this trend, and practical, cost-effective measures condominium property managers can adopt to reduce the likelihood of auto theft in their communities. By addressing these issues head-on, property managers can improve the overall safety and security of their properties, ensuring that residents feel confident that their vehicles and homes are protected.

The Growing Problem of Auto Theft in Ontario

In recent years, Ontario has experienced a significant uptick in auto thefts, a trend that has raised alarm among both residents and law enforcement. In 2022, over 23,000 vehicles were stolen in Ontario, a 14% increase from the previous year. Toronto, being the province’s largest city, recorded over 5,000 stolen vehicles in 2022 alone, a notable increase from the previous year. The rise in auto thefts is not isolated to Toronto; other major cities in Ontario, such as Ottawa and Hamilton, have also reported similar increases in vehicle thefts.

Ontario’s vehicle theft rates have consistently ranked among the highest in Canada, accounting for nearly 38% of the national total. This increase in vehicle thefts is partly driven by the growing sophistication of thieves and the expanding black market for stolen vehicles. Criminals are using advanced technology, such as relay attacks, to bypass vehicle security systems and steal cars, even in areas that seem secure. These thefts are not limited to high-end vehicles; cars of all types, including older models, are increasingly being targeted.

Factors contributing to this rise include:

• Technological Advances by Thieves: Criminals are leveraging new technologies such as keyless entry hacking, relay attacks, and programming devices that can override a vehicle’s security system.
• Demand for Vehicles: High-end and luxury vehicles, such as Lexus, Toyota, and Honda, are particularly targeted due to their high resale value and demand for parts. However, older, more affordable vehicles are also being stolen for similar reasons.
• Increasing Vehicle Values: With vehicle prices increasing year-over-year, auto theft has become an attractive crime for criminals, offering greater financial rewards for stolen vehicles and parts.

The growing frequency of vehicle thefts has significant implications for condominium communities. Property managers must now address the risk of auto theft not only to protect residents’ vehicles but to maintain the integrity of the community’s security systems.

The Impact of Auto Theft on Condominium Communities

For condominium communities, the risks posed by auto theft are multifaceted. Condominiums often feature shared parking garages and outdoor parking lots, which may lack adequate surveillance or security measures. These communal spaces can become easy targets for criminals, especially when the security infrastructure is weak or insufficiently monitored.

When auto thefts become common in a condominium complex, the consequences are far-reaching. For one, it can harm the property’s reputation, affecting both current residents and potential tenants. Frequent incidents of auto theft can create a sense of insecurity among residents, diminishing their overall satisfaction with their living environment. This sense of insecurity may lead to complaints, disputes, and increased pressure on property managers to take swift action to enhance security.

In addition to the emotional and financial toll on residents, auto thefts often lead to higher insurance premiums for property owners. If a property’s parking garage or lot is deemed to have inadequate security, it can result in claims and higher insurance costs, adding to the financial burden on both property owners and residents.

Given these concerns, it is imperative for condominium property managers to adopt effective, proactive measures to mitigate the risk of auto theft and enhance overall security in the community.

Cost-Effective Security Measures for Condominium Property Managers

While no security system can guarantee 100% protection against auto theft, there are several simple and cost-effective measures that condominium property managers and their security providers can implement to significantly reduce the risk. These strategies not only improve security but also provide peace of mind for residents, reinforcing their trust in property management.

1. Enhance Surveillance Systems

One of the most effective ways to prevent auto theft in condominium communities is to install and maintain a robust surveillance system. Security cameras act as both a deterrent and a tool for identifying criminals in the event of a theft. According to a study by the National Institute of Justice, surveillance cameras can reduce crime by as much as 20%, as their mere presence can discourage criminal activity.

For condominium parking garages, cameras should be installed at all entry and exit points, as well as throughout the facility to cover high-traffic areas, corners, and blind spots. Modern surveillance cameras with motion-sensing capabilities are more affordable than ever, offering clear, high-definition footage even in low-light conditions. With remote monitoring capabilities, property managers can oversee security in real time, allowing for immediate responses to any suspicious activity.

2. Improve Lighting in Parking Areas

Adequate lighting is a simple yet highly effective security measure that can significantly reduce the risk of auto theft. Criminals are less likely to target an area that is well-lit, as it increases the chances of being caught. Proper lighting helps increase visibility, making it difficult for thieves to operate without being noticed.

Property managers should ensure that all parking areas, including garages, outdoor lots, and driveways, are properly illuminated. LED lights are energy- efficient and cost-effective, offering long-term savings while improving safety. Motion-activated lights can further reduce electricity costs by ensuring that lights are only on when needed. By ensuring that parking areas are well- lit, property managers not only reduce the likelihood of auto theft but also improve overall security for residents.

3. Control Access to Parking Areas

Restricting access to parking areas is another key strategy for preventing auto theft. Unauthorized individuals should not be allowed to enter the premises, particularly in private parking garages. By installing access control systems, such as key fobs, keycards, or PIN codes, property managers can ensure that only residents and authorized personnel can access the parking area.

Security gates or barriers should be used at the entrance and exit points of the garage or lot. These can be automated to open and close with secure access credentials. Periodic audits of the access control systems are essential to ensure they are functioning properly and that no vulnerabilities exist.

4. Educate Residents on Auto Theft Prevention

Resident education is an often-overlooked but vital component of any security strategy. Property managers should regularly communicate with residents about the importance of vehicle security and provide them with simple, actionable tips to prevent theft. These tips can include:

• Always locking vehicles and keeping windows rolled up.
• Avoiding leaving valuables in plain sight.
• Using steering wheel locks or electronic immobilizers as additional layers of protection.
• Reporting any suspicious activity to security personnel.

Property managers can provide educational materials, such as newsletters or online resources, to keep residents informed and aware of security risks. Offering workshops or bringing in law enforcement experts for seminars can further help engage the community in preventing auto theft.

5. Install GPS Tracking Devices

For residents with high-value vehicles, installing a GPS tracking system can significantly increase the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle. GPS trackers allow vehicle owners to monitor their vehicle’s location in real time, providing vital information to law enforcement if a theft occurs.

Although the initial cost of GPS tracking devices may deter some residents, they can be an affordable and highly effective way to protect high-end vehicles. Property managers can encourage residents to install GPS devices, particularly in vehicles that are more likely to be targeted by thieves.

6. Increase Security Patrols

Increasing security patrols within parking areas and around the building is another deterrent to auto theft. Security personnel should perform regular rounds of the parking areas, especially during night hours when thefts are most likely to occur. Randomly timed patrols make it more difficult for thieves to predict when they will be detected, thereby reducing the likelihood of criminal activity.

Security personnel should be trained to identify suspicious behavior and respond quickly to potential threats. Their presence alone can make a significant difference in discouraging thieves from targeting a condominium community.

Conclusion

Auto theft is a growing problem in Ontario, with vehicle theft rates steadily rising across the province. For condominium property managers, safeguarding both residents’ homes and their vehicles is a vital responsibility. By implementing a combination of cost-effective security measures, such as enhanced surveillance systems, improved lighting, access control, resident education, GPS tracking, and increased security patrols, property managers can reduce the risk of auto theft and enhance overall community security.

While no security solution can guarantee complete protection, a layered approach that combines technology, vigilance, and education can go a long way in preventing auto theft. By adopting these strategies, condominium property managers can provide residents with a safer living environment, boosting their confidence in the security of their community and, ultimately, their peace of mind.

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Ryan Ricci is a highly experienced security professional with a career spanning over two decades. He began his journey at the age of 20, working as a part-time security guard while pursuing his education full-time. Over the years, Ryan honed his expertise primarily within condominium security, where he worked in various roles and steadily advanced through the ranks. His extensive hands-on experience has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of security operations, enabling him to handle a wide array of complex and challenging incidents. Currently in his seventh year at Magnum Protective Services Limited, Ryan serves as the Director of Business Development, where his leadership and deep industry knowledge continue to drive the company’s success and growth.