By Ka Hing Cheung

Auto crime remains a persistent issue across the province of British Columbia, costing drivers, insurers, and communities millions of dollars every year. According to police data, more than 46,000 vehicles were broken into and 7,500 were stolen in 2020 alone. While the numbers fluctuate from year to year, the reality is that thieves are always on the lookout for opportunities.

For vehicle owners, protecting your car is about more than just convenience. Preventing theft helps reduce stress, avoids costly repairs or replacements, and ultimately keeps insurance premiums under control. Here’s a look at ICBC’s pointers for preventing auto crime—and how they connect to your coverage.

Why Older Vehicles Are at Higher Risk for Auto Crime in British Columbia

Thieves often target older vehicles because they lack the security features of newer models in British Columbia. Vehicles manufactured before September 1, 2007 typically do not have electronic engine immobilizers, making them easier to steal.

If you drive an older car, ICBC recommends using a visible deterrent like a steering wheel lock. This simple step can make your vehicle a less appealing target. Owners of newer vehicles can take comfort in knowing that immobilizers—mandatory since 2007—cut power to the ignition, starter, or fuel system when the vehicle isn’t in use.

From an insurance perspective, vehicles with immobilizers are less likely to be stolen, which means fewer claims and, over time, lower costs for everyone.

What Thieves Are After, and How It Affects Car Insurance

While vehicle theft is still common in British Columbia, break-ins often focus on valuables left in plain sight. Police reports show that the most frequently stolen items include:

• Smartphones and personal electronics
• Work tools
• Credit cards and identification
• Stereo equipment
• Cash and spare change
• Car parts and accessories
• Garage door openers
• Sunglasses
• Keys

Even something as minor as a shopping bag on the seat can make your car a target. Every theft, no matter how small, can result in insurance claims, police reports, and time lost replacing stolen property.

Everyday Steps to Reduce Risk Such As Anti-Theft Devices

Preventing auto crime often comes down to simple habits. ICBC suggests:

• Treat your keys like cash. Never leave them unguarded in gyms, offices, or unlocked vehicles.
• Park smart. Choose well-lit, secure areas with pedestrian traffic. Always lock doors and close windows, even for short stops.
• Remove valuables. If it can be stolen, don’t leave it in sight. Store items in the trunk when necessary.
• Be vigilant with parkades. Wait for garage gates to close behind you to prevent thieves from sneaking in.
• Conceal your garage door opener. Keep it in the glove box or take it with you.
• Use anti-theft devices. Immobilizers, steering wheel locks, and alarms all help.
• Avoid leaving spare keys in the vehicle. Keep them at home or with you.

These measures don’t just keep your belongings safe. They also help reduce the likelihood of making a claim, which can affect your insurance record and access to certain insurance products.

Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise

One of the fastest-growing types of auto crime in B.C. is catalytic converter theft. These devices, located on vehicle exhaust systems, contain precious metals that fetch high resale value. SUVs and trucks are especially vulnerable because their ground clearance makes it easier for thieves to crawl under and remove the part within minutes.

ICBC’s Comprehensive coverage protects against catalytic converter theft. If yours is stolen, you should file a police report and then make a claim. Still, prevention is key. ICBC recommends:

• Parking in secure garages or well-lit areas
• Positioning vehicles close to walls or barriers
• Engraving the VIN on the converter
• Installing shields or locks designed for catalytic converters
• Using motion-sensitive cameras or alarms triggered by vibrations

The inconvenience of a stolen catalytic converter goes beyond the cost—it can leave your vehicle unusable until repairs are made. Preventative steps save time, hassle, and insurance claims.

ICBC’s Role in Fighting Auto Crime

ICBC doesn’t just provide coverage. It also invests in prevention. Through partnerships with police and community groups, ICBC supports enforcement programs, community prevention efforts, and public awareness campaigns.

IMPACT

The Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team operates year-round with specialized investigators. With ICBC’s support, IMPACT develops strategies to reduce theft and collaborates with local police to catch repeat offenders.

The Bait Car Program

Perhaps the most famous initiative, the Bait Car program uses vehicles equipped with GPS and live-feed monitoring. Thieves who take the bait are tracked in real time and quickly apprehended. The program has expanded to include trailers and commercial vehicles, making it harder for criminals to operate.

Community Partnerships

In areas with spikes in theft, ICBC helps fund steering wheel locks and educational initiatives like Lock Out Auto Crime. These grassroots efforts remind drivers to take small but important steps that reduce crime opportunities. Such projects are often highlighted during Auto Crime Enforcement Month, which raises awareness for British Columbians about how everyday actions can prevent theft.

How Auto Crime Claims Impact Old and New Drivers and Car Insurance Premiums

Every theft, whether it’s a stolen laptop from a backseat or a catalytic converter taken overnight, can lead to an insurance claim. More claims across the province translate into higher costs for the insurance system as a whole. By investing in prevention, ICBC helps reduce claims and keep rates more manageable for drivers.

On an individual level, policyholders may also benefit. Vehicles with anti-theft devices may qualify for ICBC discounts, while safe practices help reduce the likelihood of needing to make a claim. This matters for experienced motorists as well as new drivers, who may be more sensitive to the impact of claims on their record.

Final Thoughts

Preventing auto crime is a shared responsibility. Vehicle owners can take steps every day to protect their cars and belongings, while ICBC continues to support enforcement and community prevention efforts that deter thieves. By staying vigilant, you not only protect your car but also play a role in keeping insurance costs in check for all British Columbians.

For every person concerned about protecting their car, their family, and their community, the message is clear: prevention matters, and awareness saves money and stress.

Locate a Service Near You With King Insurance

If you’d like to know more about how anti-theft devices may save you money on coverage, contact your local King Insurance Autoplan broker. Together, we can help keep B.C. roads—and vehicles—safer.

Located at the northwest corner of Marine Drive and Main Street, King Insurance proudly serves not only the South Vancouver communities of Marpole, Sunset, Oakridge, Victoria–Fraserview, and nearby areas like Marine Gateway and Marine Landing, but also customers across Richmond and the entire Lower Mainland of BC, Canada. 

Ka Hing Cheung is proud to work in the insurance company industry, helping people manage risk and protect what matters most. Ka Hing is committed to ongoing learning and enjoys helping clients find the right coverage at the best available rate, while making sure they have the details they need to understand their options clearly.