New Toyota RAV4 crossover SUVs for sale are seen at an auto mall in Ottawa on April 26, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
"Police services across Canada, particularly Ontario and Quebec, have been building their auto theft units and then working collaboratively," said Gast in an interview Wednesday. Insurers have said the majority of vehicles are being stolen from Ontario and Quebec and exported through the busy Port of Montreal. Around 1.7 million containers moved through the port last year, including 70 per cent of Canada's legal vehicle exports, according to port authorities.
Gast said he is "cautiously optimistic" about the six-month trend and hopes it continues for the rest of the year. Although, he added, continued focus on collaborative efforts is needed.