Since June 2023, 266 vehicles have been stolen in Vaudreuil-Soulanges. At least, that's what the interactive map published by the Journal de Montréal on Friday, November 1 reveals. 

In Vaudreuil-Dorion alone, 105 vehicles were stolen. A little further away, but still in a place well frequented by the Vaudreuil-Soulange population, the Fairview Pointe-Claire shopping center has become a favorite spot for car thieves, with 185 vehicles stolen there in the past year.

The proximity of Highway 40, which facilitates escape, may explain why the site is so popular with thieves. 

Data collected by Équité Association, the organization that helps insurers fight insurance crime, shows that SUVs, and particularly Japanese-brand vehicles, are particularly popular with thieves.

The organization's 2022 list ranks the Jeep Gladiator first, followed by the Honda Passport, Acura RDX, Dodge Durango, Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Pilot, Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover R.Rover, Lexus NX, Dodge RAM 1500 and Lexus RX.

Technology at the service of thieves

According to police observations, vehicles that don't require a key to start are often targeted by thieves. 

In an interview with Néomédia in March 2023, Sûreté du Québec spokeswoman Audrey-Anne Bilodeau commented: “This kind of technology is very practical, but unfortunately, it makes thieves' work easier.

Preventive measures

There are many ways of deterring thieves. 

Even if it's elementary, locking doors and closing windows is a first step. 

Equipping your car with an anti-theft device, such as an immobilizer, an audible alarm, a visual system like a steering-wheel lock or window markings, can also help.
 
Installing an AirTag-type tracking system can be very useful, especially for quickly locating a stolen vehicle.

For owners of vehicles with a start button, we strongly recommend placing the key in a metal box, so that it's impossible for the vehicle to pick up the key signal. 

Stolen vehicles in Vaudreuil-Soulanges