Theft rings increasingly targeting luxury vehicles

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) says its investigations over the past few years illustrate an alarming trend in Canada of organized auto theft rings targeting high-end or desirable vehicles with the intention of exporting them overseas or chopping them for parts. It made it observation as it as it released its list of the most frequently stolen vehicles in 2007. Luxury vehicles continue to creep higher on the list, an IBC release says.The 2007 list shows three 2001 Audi Quattro models appearing in the Top 30 most frequently stolen vehicles. “These models have moved up an average of 26 spots from their positions in the 2006 list, showing that the relative demand for these high-end, desirable models is increasing,” said Rick Dubin, vice-president of investigations at IBC. Also increasing in frequency are thefts of newer four-wheel drive vehicles, the release adds.IBC investigators have observed that these utility vehicles are often exported to countries with rough terrain, such as those in the Middle East and Africa.The Top 10 stolen vehicles in Canada are:1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door2000 Honda Civic Sir 2-door2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi 4-door AWD1999 Acura Integra 2-door 1994 Dodge/Plymouth Grand Caravan/Voyager1994 Dodge/Plymouth Grand Caravan/Voyager AWD1994 Dodge/Plymouth Caravan/Voyager1998 Acura Integra 2-door2000 Audi TT Quattro 2-door coupe1994 Dodge/Plymouth Shadow/Sundance 2-door hatchback