Over the last two months, a summer student with Équité Association spent time learning about auto theft in Canada, and the impact it has on victims and their communities. She was most surprised to discover that auto theft is a more significant issue than she had realized. In this article, she shares what she thinks all teens should know about auto theft and how to avoid becoming a victim.

In the words of Équité’s summer student:

One of the biggest surprises for me was the realization that auto theft doesn’t only involve high-end vehicles. I had no idea that in reality, the majority of stolen cars are typical, everyday ones that people depend on for travelling to work or school. My time at Équité allowed me to empathize with victims and to consider the stress and financial hardships for those affected. I didn’t realize that auto theft frequently involves organized crime, and funds drugs and guns in Canada. I really thought it was much smaller and simpler.

I didn’t realize the impact auto theft had on communities; beyond just the person whose car was stolen. I can see how auto theft is a burden on law enforcement, the insurance industry, city resources like the legal system and diminishes trust within neighborhoods. Nobody is completely spared from the effects of auto theft, including those who have never experienced it.

Reflecting on my experience, I was most surprised by how complex and layered auto theft really is. Now that I understand the full scope of the issue, I want other teens to know how common auto theft is and that it can happen to anyone. However, I like that drivers can be part of the solution through the “Layered Approach”. This approach includes simple actions, such as never leaving a vehicle running unattended, or even just remembering to lock the car doors. We can also educate our parents and let them know the benefits of theft prevention devices like a steering lock or installing a tracking device.

With this article, I hope to educate teens about the impact of auto theft and how they can protect themselves and their vehicles in the future. I learned that as a driver, prevention is the most effective offense against auto theft. Auto theft is not an issue limited to adults; it is a concern for the community that impacts everyone. With what I learned at Équité, I am proud to use my voice to help raise awareness among teenagers about how to help keep themselves safe from the impacts of auto theft.

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