Over 105,000 vehicles stolen nationally in 2022, the most being in Ontario and Quebec. Although there has been a decline overall since then, likely due to increased port security and the rise in the use of auto-theft devices by individual automobile owners, motor vehicle thefts remain high.

Both the Criminal Code and provincial highway traffic acts address motor vehicle theft, although only the Code names it as an offence.

Criminal Code

Motor vehicle theft

• 333.1(1) Everyone who commits theft is, if the property stolen is a motor vehicle, guilty of an offence and liable
  • (a)on proceedings by way of indictment, to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years, and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months in the case of a third or subsequent offence under this subsection; or
  • (b)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day.

Motor vehicle theft when violence used, threatened or attempted

333.1(3) Everyone who commits theft in the commission of which violence against a person is used, threatened or attempted is, if the property stolen is a motor vehicle, guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

Highway Traffic Act

Suspension related to theft of a motor vehicle

41.0.2  (1)  The driver’s licence of a person who is convicted of an offence under subsection 333.1 (3) or (4) of the Criminal Code (Canada) is thereupon suspended,

(a)  on a first conviction, for 10 years;

(b)  on a second conviction, for 15 years; and

(c)  on a third or subsequent conviction, lifetime suspension.

What can you do to prevent auto theft?

There are things you can do to help keep your vehicle safe from thieves. This includes:

• Never leave a vehicle parked and running when you are not in it
• Park in a well-lit, attended area if possible
• close and lock doors and windows
• Install a motion sensor light to light up your vehicles and garage
• Never hide a spare key in the vehicle, thieves know where to look
• Never leave anything on display when you leave your vehicle
• Lock all parcels and shopping bags in the trunk of your vehicle
• Install a visible steering wheel lock

If your vehicle is stolen, report the theft to the police immediately.

Get help

To erase your criminal record, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our preferred criminal defence expert, Calvin Barry Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation at 1-866-961-4963 .

								
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