If you own a car in Toronto, you’ve probably heard the warnings: auto theft is on the rise, and certain neighborhoods are being hit harder than others. From luxury SUVs disappearing from driveways overnight to thieves using high-tech keyless entry hacks, car theft has become a growing concern across the city.
But which areas are the worst for stolen vehicles? And what can you do to protect yourself? In this report, we break down the most high-risk neighborhoods for auto theft in Toronto, backed by police data and real numbers.
Toronto's Auto Theft Epidemic: A Closer Look at the Numbers
Toronto has been grappling with a surge in auto thefts over the past decade, with a record-breaking 12,351 stolen vehicles in 2023. But in a surprising turn, 2024 has seen a sharp drop – down 24.3% to 9,352 cases. This dip could signal stronger law enforcement efforts, changing criminal tactics, or even more car owners taking extra precautions.
When it comes to where these thefts are happening, residential areas account for about a third (33.2%) of cases, while the majority – a staggering 60.1% – fall into the Outside + “Other” category, likely including public parking lots and streets. Commercial properties, like dealerships and rental lots, make up just 6.7% of thefts, but this sector has also seen a major decline, dropping 32.1% from last year.
Despite the recent decrease, auto thefts in Toronto are still much higher than they were before 2020, reflecting ongoing concerns about organized crime and high-tech keyless entry hacks. While the downward trend is encouraging, car owners – especially those in high-risk neighborhoods – should remain cautious. After all, a stolen car is more than just an inconvenience – it’s a costly and frustrating reality for thousands of Toronto drivers each year.
Chart obtained from the Auto Theft Dashboard published on the Toronto Police website.
To determine which Toronto neighborhoods face the highest risk of auto theft in 2024, we based our analysis on publicly available data from the Toronto Police Service’s Auto Theft Dashboard. This dashboard provides detailed, up-to-date reporting on auto thefts across the city, including the number of incidents, types of premises involved (residential, commercial, and other), and time-based trends.
For a more accurate and fair comparison between neighborhoods of varying sizes, we calculated an auto theft rate for each area using population data. This allowed us to assess thefts on a per capita basis, not just by raw totals—offering a clearer picture of where car owners are statistically most at risk. We also factored in neighborhood-specific characteristics such as proximity to major highways, types of housing (e.g., detached homes with driveways vs. apartment buildings), and socioeconomic profiles, which often correlate with both vehicle density and security infrastructure. These contextual elements help explain not just where car theft is happening, but why certain areas are more vulnerable than others.
West Humber-Clairville (Etobicoke)
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
17
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
641
With 624 reported auto thefts in 2024, West Humber-Clairville holds the unfortunate title of Toronto’s #1 hotspot for stolen vehicles—more than double the number in the next highest neighborhood. While that figure reflects a 23.2% drop from 2023, it still places the area well above the citywide average.
The breakdown of thefts shows a strong concentration in Outside locations (394 thefts), which typically includes public parking lots and street parking—spaces that often lack security measures. There were also 112 residential thefts and 118 commercial ones, making this neighborhood an across-the-board target for thieves.
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9:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 7:00 AM
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Sunday, Thursday, Monday
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Saturday, Wednesday
Pattern Insight: Most thefts are reported in the early morning hours, suggesting they likely occur overnight and are only discovered when owners check their vehicles in the morning. This indicates a need for increased overnight security measures, particularly in residential areas where cars are left unattended for long periods.
Why is this area a magnet for car theft?
A few key factors may be at play:
Proximity to Highways. West Humber-Clairville borders Highways 427, 27, and 401, making it extremely easy for stolen vehicles to be quickly driven out of the city and into the Greater Toronto Area or even across the border.
Type of Housing. The area is dominated by low-rise housing, townhomes, and detached homes, many with private driveways – prime spots for overnight thefts, especially when homeowners leave vehicles outside.
Socioeconomic Profile. The neighborhood features a mix of working-class and middle-income households. While it may not be packed with luxury cars, the volume of parked vehicles and potentially limited use of high-end security systems may make it a soft target for organized theft rings.
This combination of easy getaway routes, less-protected parking, and broad commercial and residential zones likely contributes to the consistently high theft rates in West Humber-Clairville—despite the encouraging year-over-year decline.
Etobicoke City Centre
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
8.7
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
261
Etobicoke City Centre reported 257 auto thefts in 2024, placing it among the top three Toronto neighborhoods for stolen vehicles. Although this number reflects a modest 11.1% decrease from 2023, the area remains a consistent hotspot for car theft—particularly in non-residential zones.
A closer look at the data shows the vast majority of thefts – 213 out of 257 – occurred in the Outside category, pointing to street parking, public lots, or mixed-use spaces as primary targets. Commercial thefts were also notable at 34 incidents, while residential thefts were surprisingly low, with only 10 reported cases.
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6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 9:00 AM
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Pattern Insight: Unlike typical early-morning peaks, this dataset shows higher reporting during evening hours, particularly between 6 PM and 9 PM. This may indicate thefts occurring while vehicles are parked for the night, potentially near public places or residential zones. Quick discovery and prompt reporting suggest the need for improved security not just overnight but also during early evening hours when visibility and vigilance may drop.
Why is this area a magnet for car theft?
Urban Density + Public Parking. This neighborhood is densely developed, with high-rise condos, shopping plazas, transit hubs, and public garages. Vehicles are often left in large, accessible parking lots or above-ground garages with limited surveillance, making them attractive to thieves.
Proximity to Major Routes. The area sits just west of Highway 427 and near the Gardiner Expressway, both key exit points for thieves looking to quickly leave the area post-theft.
Socioeconomic Diversity. Etobicoke City Centre is a transitional area – with a mix of luxury condos, mid-range apartment complexes, and commercial zones. It sees a high flow of people and cars daily, which can make it easier for thieves to blend in and operate unnoticed.
Low Residential Thefts = More Opportunistic Crimes. With only 10 residential auto thefts, it’s likely that opportunistic thefts from parking lots and public spaces are driving the numbers, rather than targeted break-ins in front of private homes.
In summary, Etobicoke City Centre’s high volume of public-facing infrastructure, easy highway access, and mix of commercial and condo properties make it a prime environment for quick, low-risk car thefts—especially for organized rings targeting vehicles parked in vulnerable areas.
Humber Summit
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
8.1
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
114
In 2024, Humber Summit reported 112 auto thefts, showing a 12.5% decline compared to the previous year. While it doesn’t rank at the very top in total numbers, this northwest Toronto neighborhood still stands out as a persistent mid-level hotspot for car theft.
Of the 112 thefts reported:
- 71 (63%) occurred in Outside locations, suggesting that public roads, shared lots, and possibly underground garages are key targets.
- 26 thefts happened in residential areas, indicating a significant presence of driveway or home-adjacent thefts.
- 15 incidents were reported at commercial properties, such as businesses and auto-related service spots.
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8:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM
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Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
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Friday
Pattern Insight: Auto thefts are most frequently reported during early morning hours, once again pointing to overnight incidents discovered by vehicle owners when starting their day. The consistent morning peak highlights the importance of nighttime vehicle security, especially on weekdays when thefts appear more common.
Why is this area a magnet for car theft?
Proximity to Highway 400 & Major Routes. Humber Summit borders Highway 400, one of the city’s key north–south corridors. For car thieves, this location offers a quick escape route, with fast access to the 401 and beyond. The ease of movement likely contributes to its sustained theft numbers.
Housing Mix = Driveway Access. The neighborhood is made up primarily of low-rise homes, semi-detached houses, and small residential streets, many with direct driveway access. Cars parked overnight in driveways without motion-sensor lighting or surveillance are often prime targets, especially for relay thefts involving keyless entry systems.
Socioeconomic Profile. Humber Summit is a working- to middle-class area with a high proportion of multi-generational households and moderate vehicle density. While it may not be filled with high-end luxury cars, the volume of parked vehicles and the presence of less-secured areas can increase vulnerability.
“Other” Theft Dominance = Opportunistic Patterns. With most thefts occurring outside commercial and residential zones, the data suggests a pattern of opportunistic crimes – likely targeting cars parked in streets, plazas, or public access points where monitoring may be low.
While Humber Summit isn’t the hardest-hit neighborhood, its combination of accessible homes, nearby highway routes, and modest security infrastructure makes it a consistent target for car thieves – especially during early morning or late-night hours when vigilance is low.
York University Heights
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
7
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
225
With 225 reported auto thefts in 2024, York University Heights continues to be one of Toronto’s most theft-prone neighborhoods. While thefts are down 13.3% from the previous year, the numbers remain high enough to keep this area among the city’s top 5 hotspots for stolen vehicles.
Of the 225 total thefts:
- 152 (68.5%) occurred in Outside locations, pointing to public lots, curbside parking, and university-adjacent areas.
- 32 thefts were reported in residential areas.
- 38 cases were tied to commercial premises, the second-highest commercial theft figure across all neighborhoods in the dataset.
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10:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM
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Pattern Insight: Thefts are most commonly reported between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, indicating overnight thefts discovered in the morning. However, there’s also steady activity across late morning and early evening hours, suggesting some incidents are reported more promptly. The data reinforces the importance of securing vehicles overnight and being vigilant during high-activity morning periods.
Why is this area a magnet for car theft?
Student Population & High Vehicle Turnover: Home to York University, this area has a large transient student population and a mix of rental housing and short-term residents. Cars often change hands or are parked in shared lots, making it harder for neighbors or property owners to recognize suspicious behavior.
Diverse Parking Environments: The area includes university lots, apartment complexes, townhomes, and commercial plazas, meaning cars are often parked in public or semi-private lots with inconsistent security. This creates a broad range of low-supervision environments that thieves can exploit.
Proximity to Major Roads: Located near Keele Street, Finch Avenue, and Highway 400, York University Heights offers car thieves quick access to major roadways for a fast exit after a theft.
Socioeconomic & Infrastructure Mix: This is a diverse, middle-income neighborhood with a blend of newer and older infrastructure. The variety of parking setup – especially large apartment buildings and surface lots – means that not all vehicles are protected by modern surveillance or controlled access.
Commercial Thefts Are Significant: With 38 reported commercial thefts, local businesses, dealerships, and service centers are also being hit. This suggests both opportunistic and targeted thefts – possibly involving professional theft rings familiar with the area.
In short, York University Heights remains a top target due to its high car density, transient population, and wide array of accessible parking. While there’s been a small drop in incidents this year, the neighborhood’s layout and activity levels still make it a go-to zone for both organized and opportunistic auto theft.
Milliken
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
6.7
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
180
In 2024, Milliken recorded 174 auto thefts, placing it firmly in the upper tier of Toronto’s most affected neighborhoods. While that number marks a dramatic 42% drop compared to 2023, it still reflects a high level of auto crime relative to the city average.
The breakdown of thefts is as follows:
- 109 incidents (63%) occurred in Outside locations, such as public streets, parking lots, and mixed-use areas.
- 42 thefts were reported in residential settings, likely involving vehicles stolen from driveways or condo lots.
- 23 incidents took place at commercial properties, such as dealerships or auto service centers.
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Tuesday
Pattern Insight: Auto thefts tend to be reported in the early morning hours, suggesting they likely occur overnight and are discovered as people begin their day. There’s also a small spike in evening reporting, especially on weekends, which could reflect increased overnight parking or late-night activities. These patterns emphasize the need for both nighttime and early-morning vigilance.
Why is this area a magnet for car theft?
Suburban Design + Driveway Parking: Milliken is largely made up of suburban-style housing, including detached homes, semi-detached houses, and townhouses, many of which rely on street-level parking and private driveways. These areas can be vulnerable to overnight relay attacks, especially when vehicles are parked without deterrents like motion lights or steering locks.
Proximity to Steeles Avenue & Markham Border: The neighborhood sits near Steeles Avenue, straddling the boundary with Markham, which may make it easier for thieves to cross jurisdictions quickly, complicating enforcement. It also has access to major arteries like McCowan Road and Midland Avenue, offering multiple exit routes after a theft.
Demographic Mix & Car Ownership: Milliken is a family-oriented, middle-income neighborhood with a high rate of car ownership and multi-vehicle households. That increases the sheer number of potential targets and may stretch home security resources thin.
Commercial & Residential Blend: The presence of plazas, strip malls, and service-oriented businesses – combined with low-visibility parking spots – creates opportunities for thefts during both the day and night. The 23 commercial thefts suggest that organized groups may also be targeting fleet vehicles or business-owned assetsin the area.
Despite the welcome dip in year-over-year thefts, Milliken remains a hotspot due to its driveway-heavy layout, border-zone location, and blend of residential and commercial zones – factors that collectively create an ideal environment for both casual and professional thieves.
Wexford/Maryvale
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
5.9
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
182
In 2024, Wexford/Maryvale reported 170 auto thefts, making it one of Scarborough’s higher-theft neighborhoods. While this reflects a 16.3% decrease from the previous year, the numbers still signal a concerning trend for residents and vehicle owners in the area.
Here’s the breakdown by location type:
- 81 thefts (48%) occurred in Outside areas, likely including street parking, public plazas, and commercial lots.
- 61 thefts took place in residential areas, accounting for over a third of the total cases.
- 28 incidents were reported in commercial zones, such as auto shops, rental agencies, and business plazas.
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9:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM
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Pattern Insight: Auto theft reports peak during the early morning hours, particularly between 6:00 and 9:00 AM, reinforcing the trend of overnight incidents being discovered in the morning. The consistent weekday activity, especially midweek, may point to routine patterns and predictability in vehicle use and parking habits, offering opportunities for targeted prevention.
Why is this area a magnet for car theft?
High Residential Theft = Driveway Risk: With 61 residential thefts, this neighborhood has one of the highest proportions of at-home vehicle thefts among the top areas. That points to widespread use of private driveways and open residential parking, where vehicles – especially keyless entry models – may be targeted overnight via relay attacks or door unlocking devices.
Urban-Suburban Mix: Wexford/Maryvale is a diverse, middle-income neighborhood made up of bungalows, detached homes, and low-rise apartments. The spread-out layout with minimal gated communities or underground garages limits natural security features, making parked vehicles more accessible.
Proximity to Major Arteries: The neighborhood is located just east of Victoria Park Avenue and is within close reach of Highway 401 and Eglinton Avenue East. These roadways offer quick access points for thieves to enter and exit the area rapidly, especially when targeting cars in business zones or residential driveways.
Day & Night Risk Factors: With nearly equal theft numbers across residential and public areas, Wexford/Maryvale appears vulnerable both during overnight hours in residential pockets and daytime thefts in busy commercial strips. This suggests a mix of organized thefts and opportunistic crimes.
In short, Wexford/Maryvale’s combination of driveway-dense housing, accessible roadways, and mixed-use zoning continues to make it a reliable target for car thieves – even as numbers fall slightly year over year. Residents should especially be cautious about vehicles parked outdoors overnight or in low-visibility areas.
Humbermede
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
5.8
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
113
In 2024, Humbermede reported 108 auto thefts, reflecting a 7.7% decrease from the previous year. While not at the very top of the citywide list, Humbermede continues to be a consistent hotspot in northwest Toronto – particularly for residential vehicle thefts.
Breakdown of theft locations:
- 72 thefts (67%) occurred in Outside locations, likely including public roads, parking lots, and open-access zones.
- 31 incidents were reported in residential areas, showing a noticeable vulnerability in driveway or at-home vehicle storage.
- 5 cases were tied to commercial properties – a relatively small portion of overall thefts here.
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9:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM
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Wednesday, Tuesday, Thursday
Quietest Days
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Saturday
Pattern Insight: The data shows a consistent pattern of morning theft reports, especially between 6:00 and 9:00 AM, indicating that many thefts occur overnight and are discovered early in the day. Weekdays, particularly midweek, show the highest activity, while weekends – especially Saturday – see a significant drop, possibly due to different vehicle usage or parking habits.
Why is this area a magnet for car theft?
Driveway-Heavy Housing & Detached Homes: With 31 residential thefts, this area clearly sees a large number of cars stolen from homes. Humbermede features suburban-style housing, including semi-detached homes and bungalows – many with open driveways that make vehicles easy to access, particularly for thieves using relay attacks or smart key spoofing devices.
Bordering Major Highways & Transit Corridors: Humbermede is conveniently close to Highway 400 and Finch Avenue, which offer rapid exit routes for stolen vehicles. This positioning often makes neighborhoods like Humbermede prime territory for professional theft rings looking to quickly move vehicles out of the area.
Mixed-Income Demographics: Humbermede is a working-class to lower-middle-class neighborhood, where residents may not always have access to advanced car security systems or indoor parking. This may contribute to its ongoing vulnerability, especially for older vehicles or models with poor factory theft protection.
Low Commercial Theft = Residential Focus: With only 5 commercial thefts, most incidents appear to be targeting individual car owners rather than businesses. This could suggest that opportunistic or tech-savvy thieves are operating more discreetly, targeting driveways and poorly lit residential streets during late-night or early-morning hours.
While the drop in thefts is encouraging, Humbermede’s layout, vehicle access, and highway proximity continue to make it a high-risk zone for car owners. Residents in the area – especially those with keyless vehicles – should consider layered security measures to help deter overnight thefts.
Bendale-Glen Andrew
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
Auto-theft Rate
5.7
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
Number of auto thefts in 2024
123
Bendale-Glen Andrew recorded 119 auto thefts in 2024, showing a 17.9% decline from the previous year. While it doesn’t top the city’s overall list, it stands out for a sharp rise in residential auto thefts—making it an increasingly vulnerable area for vehicle owners.
The 2024 breakdown reveals:
- 83 thefts occurred in Outside locations, including public streets, parking lots, and mixed-use areas.
- 24 thefts were reported in residential areas, a relatively moderate figure—but what’s striking is the 118.2% increase in residential thefts from the previous year.
- 12 thefts happened at commercial properties.
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7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:00–10:00 PM
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Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Quietest Days
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Wednesday
Pattern Insight: Auto thefts show two distinct peaks: one in the early morning hours and another in the late evening, particularly on weekdays. This may reflect both overnight thefts discovered in the morning and active targeting of vehicles parked in the evening. The spread across multiple hours and days suggests the need for both morning and nighttime vigilance in theft prevention strategies.
Why is this area a magnet for car theft?
Surge in Residential Theft = Driveway Exposure: With a more than doubling of residential thefts, this area is increasingly experiencing vehicles stolen directly from homes. Many properties in Bendale are detached or semi-detached homes with street-facing driveways, making them easy targets – particularly overnight.
Transit Connectivity + Escape Routes: Located near McCowan Road, Lawrence Avenue East, and Highway 401, the neighborhood offers easy east-west travel and quick access to highways, allowing thieves to move vehicles out of the area quickly.
Changing Theft Patterns: The steep rise in residential thefts may suggest a shift from public or commercial targets to private homes – possibly due to improved commercial security systems or increased monitoring of public lots. This shift may reflect a tactical change in thief behavior, especially by organized groups using digital tools to breach keyless entry systems.
Diverse Housing Stock: Bendale-Glen Andrew has a mix of low-rise residential housing and mid-rise rental apartments, creating varied levels of security. Homes without cameras, motion lights, or secure garage access may be at greater risk, especially as tech-enabled theft becomes more precise and quiet.
Despite the overall decline in thefts, Bendale-Glen Andrew is clearly undergoing a residential theft surge, which suggests the need for increased vigilance among homeowners – particularly those with SUVs or keyless-entry vehicles parked outdoors.
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Cover Photo Credit: Erik Mclean on Unsplash
