Crime is Rising in Canada: Here’s What Newcomers Should Know

Well, both things can be true. Canada is widely considered to be one of the safest countries in the world when it comes to violent crime. Violent crimes are rare in Canada, so it’s broadly considered safe. But, property crimes are on the rise, not so much for tourists, but for those of us who are living in Canada, this is a very real risk. Here’s what you need to know:  

Just How Safe Is Canada? 

According to the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection report for 2025, Canada ranks among the top 3 safest countries in the world when it comes to the following metrics: 

• Ranked second for safety from violent crime (behind Norway in first place);  

• Ranked second for safety from terrorism;  

• Ranked first for transport safety;  

• Ranked first for health measures;  

• Ranked second for Women’s/LGBTQIA+/People of Color Safety 

In fact, most travel insurance companies consider Canada to be one of the safest places in the world. It also means that violent crimes are relatively rare – and rates of violent crimes, like homicide, are decreasing.  

But that doesn’t mean all crime is decreasing – in fact, non-violent property crimes such as motor vehicle theft – have been on the rise in Canada in recent years. So, it’s crucial for you to protect your assets after you move by purchasing adequate home or renter’s insurance – and auto insurance if you buy a vehicle.  

The Auto Theft Problem in Canada 

Canada does have a notable auto theft problem – with SUVs and trucks being the most targeted vehicles in Canada. Here’s what the Insurance Bureau of Canada says about auto theft trends:  

• Canada’s private auto insurers paid more than $1.5 billion in theft claims in 2023.  

• To put this in perspective, this number has just about tripled since 2021, when the average annual auto theft claim cost to insurers was $556 million.  

• Ontario is seeing the worst of the auto crime increases, with auto theft claim costs increasing 524% from 2018 to 2023. 

In other words, auto theft is a real issue in Canada – and the most important step you can take to protect yourself from this risk is to get adequate auto insurance.   

Other steps you can take are to:  

• Get informed about the most stolen vehicle makes and models and consider avoiding those models;  

• Protect your vehicle using anti-theft devices, immobilizers, and a tracking system; 

• Reduce your risks by always locking your vehicle, closing your windows, and avoiding using remote start systems, even on cold days.  

The most stolen vehicles based on make, model, and year in 2023 were:  

• Toyota Highlander (2021) 

• Dodge Ram 1500 Series (2022) 

• Lexus RX Series (2022) 

• Honda CR-V (2021) 

• Toyota RAV4 (2021) 

• Honda Civic (2019) 

• Jeep Wrangler (2021) 

• Land Rover Range Rover Series (2020) 

• Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series (2023) 
• Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series (2006). 

Breaking and Entering Also Problematic in Canada 

In 2023 – there were almost 131,000 incidents of breaking and entering. (That’s when someone breaks into a home and enters it, usually to rob the resident of their belongings.)  

So, it’s safe to say breaking and entering is also a problem in Canada. It accounts for 15% of Canada’s overall crime severity index, even though rates have been decreasing in recent years.  

Property crimes more broadly also increased in 2023, by 5% year over year. Unlike auto thefts, which largely impact Canada’s central and eastern provinces, there are property crime hotbeds across British Columbia – including Kamloops, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, and Kelowna. 

Home and Renter’s Insurance by Scotia Insurance 

Moving2Canada’s trusted partner Scotia Insurance offers home and renter’s insurance policies. You can learn more about these policies here:  

• Home insurance 

• Renter’s insurance

Or you can learn more about why renter’s insurance is important for newcomers to Canada first.