Hard-to-Resist Lexus GX 460 Tops Canada’s Most-Stolen List
Thieves continue to target older, high-end, all-wheel drive models. Here’s how to keep your ride safe!
If you’re a Canadian resident who owns a 2015 Lexus GX 460, you might want to invest in LoJack or some other form of enhanced security. Because interestingly enough, that particular full-size luxury ‘ute topped the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) Top Ten Most Stolen Cars list for 2016. The IBC determines their rankings by analyzing insurance claims obtained from automotive insurance providers.
In recent years, thieves have gravitated toward four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. Particularly those that are higher-end makes and models a few model years old. This is because newer models typically carry more technology that makes stealing them more difficult. Combine that with the higher resale value of these rigs and the price of parts, and you’ve got a desirable theft target. And the Lexus GX checks all of those boxes.
It isn’t all bad news, of course. The IBC reports that, like the U.S., overall vehicle theft in Canada is on the decline. Following two years of increased instances of auto theft, reports were down 1% between 2015 and 2016. Some areas, however, saw sharp increases. The worst of which included Yukon (22%), Nunavut (18%), and Saskatchewan (15%). And Alberta alone accounts for nearly 30% of all car thefts in Canada.
Regardless of where you live or what you drive, there are plenty of ways to avoid becoming a statistic. The IBC recommends taking obvious steps such as never leaving your vehicle running while unattended. Park in well-lit areas, and always close the windows and lock the doors after you do so.
Make sure all valuables are out of sight, and don’t leave any personal information in the glovebox that might give a thief an invitation (and a means to open) to your garage. And speaking of a garage, park your Lexus in it every night. That way anyone scoping the neighborhood late at night won’t see it!
